Stroke survivors in China face high rates of depression

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability globally, with a particularly high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. In China, the number of stroke survivors is rising due to an ageing population. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common neuropsychiatric condition that can severely impact recovery and overall well-being. A recent study published in General Psychiatry sheds light on the prevalence and impact of depression among older stroke survivors in China, aiming to explore the prevalence of PSD and its association with quality of life (QoL).

The study utilized data from the 2017–2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a nationwide community-based project led by Peking University. Researchers analyzed data from 1,123 stroke survivors aged 65 and older. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD), and QoL was measured with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-brief version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Depression is prevalent among older stroke survivors, with 34.3% experiencing depressive symptoms. The most central symptoms identified through network analysis were "feeling blue/depressed", "feeling nervous/fearful", and "loneliness". The study also examined the relationship between specific depressive symptoms and QoL. Symptoms such as "hopelessness", "sleep disturbances", and "everything was an effort" were found to have the strongest negative associations with QoL. Stroke survivors with these symptoms reported significantly lower QoL compared to those without depressive symptoms.

Prof. XIANG Xutao, the corresponding author, emphasized the importance of these findings: "Our study highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing central PSD symptoms to improve depressive symptoms and overall QoL among older stroke survivors."

Additionally, the findings suggest that improving activities of daily living (ADL), reducing anxiety, ensuring sufficient financial support, and promoting regular physical exercise are critical for reducing the risk of PSD.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of PSD among older stroke survivors in China. By identifying central symptoms and their associations with QoL, the research offers a foundation for developing targeted interventions to improve mental health and overall well-being in this vulnerable population.