Biological and behavioral correlates of stroke and depression.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Depression following stroke is a major problem as it can increase the morbidity. A greater understanding of the biological and behavioral correlates of stroke and depression enhances the practice of neuroscience nurses interacting with stroke patients. There is an ongoing debate as to whether patients with left or right-sided lesions have higher rates of depression. Current research suggests neurochemical correlates of stroke and depression; however, behavioral problems do relate, to a large extent, to the different behavioral manifestations seen in left and right-sided lesions. Furthermore, these biological and behavioral correlates have important implications for assessment and treatment modalities.