A comprehensive overview of post-stroke depression treatment options

Abstract

Nearly one-third of all stroke patients develop depression at any time after a stroke, and its presence is associated with unfavorable outcomes. This narrative review aims to provide a synopsis of possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities for post-stroke depression (PSD). Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating the symptoms of this clinical condition. The treatment of PSD has been recently enhanced by innovative approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, virtual reality, telehealth, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and non-conventional therapies, which might improve depression treatment in stroke survivors. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Stroke, COVID-19, and other somatic aspects of psychiatric disorders treatments

“…In this issue, two reviews focus on post-stroke depression. Raggi et al review all the available treatments, including non-pharmacological ones (Raggi et al, 2023). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are usually considered the first-line treatment; however, it is well-known that they may modulate the coagulation pathway.…”