Depression risk high for women after a stroke, new study finds
| Jan 30, 2019, 14:38 IST
A new study has found women have a higher chance than men of suffering from depression after a stroke.
For the study, the team examined how the symptoms progressed in 2,313 people over a five-year period after getting a stroke. 1,275 participants were men and 1,038 were women. Their mental health was assessed, as well as their physical health and socio-demographic data. The study found that 20 percent of women suffered a severe case of the mental health issue, while it was only 10 percent for men.
While the exact cause is unknown, the study found similar patterns of symptom progression."What is common to both sexes is the dramatic decrease in the likelihood of survival as depression symptoms increase. We believe, therefore, that by monitoring symptoms of depression in stroke survivors and acting accordingly, clinicians may be able to provide better long-term care,"lead author Salma Ayis from the School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences at King's College London in UK, told a news portal.
For the study, the team examined how the symptoms progressed in 2,313 people over a five-year period after getting a stroke. 1,275 participants were men and 1,038 were women. Their mental health was assessed, as well as their physical health and socio-demographic data. The study found that 20 percent of women suffered a severe case of the mental health issue, while it was only 10 percent for men.
While the exact cause is unknown, the study found similar patterns of symptom progression."What is common to both sexes is the dramatic decrease in the likelihood of survival as depression symptoms increase. We believe, therefore, that by monitoring symptoms of depression in stroke survivors and acting accordingly, clinicians may be able to provide better long-term care,"lead author Salma Ayis from the School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences at King's College London in UK, told a news portal.