This study aimed to detect and quantify depressive disorders following strokes and to follow the evolution of such patients after administering anti-depressive medication in association with the rehabilitation program.

This is a prospective study on 36 patients suffering from post stroke hemiplegia, situated in an interval of two to twelve months after the stroke. The patients have been randomly divided into two groups, the study group consisting of 21 patients who received anti-depressive medication in addition to the rehabilitation program, and the control group (15 patients) who only received the rehabilitation therapy. All patients were evaluated for depression using the Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D) at the beginning of the study and after two months of anti-depressive medication. Their clinical and functional evolution was evaluated using standardized scales and quality of life scales (FIM). Other parameters were noted such as age, sex, level of education and family support.

As expected, both the depression and the functional scores improved significantly after two months of rehabilitation treatment associated with anti-depressive medication in the study group compared to the initial evaluation. Also, improvement was noted when compared to the results of the control group.

1. . in accordance with others published studies, this analysis shows the importance of early detection and treatment of post stroke depression

2. . A multi disciplinary team that includes a psychiatrist must be assembled for the treatment of stroke patients, as such a team brings the most benefit to the patients.