Post‐stroke depression: the case for augmented, individually tailored cognitive behavioural therapy

Abstract

In this review, we begin by considering why post-stroke depression (PSD) is so prevalent. We then examine the current evidence base to support cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a treatment approach for the condition. While there is limited evidence currently, we demonstrate that much remains to be established with regard to PSD and the efficacy of CBT. We argue there is every reason to believe CBT should be an effective treatment, but that clinicians must augment and individually tailor this approach to ensure effectiveness. We set out our rationale for a novel augmented, individually tailored CBT protocol, and describe five key components that we believe once incorporated, and tested using randomized controlled methods, should enhance treatment outcome of PSD.

Literature and Art Therapy in Post-Stroke Psychological Disorders

“…Moreover, as stroke is a potentially fatal disease, reduction of mortality after the onset of the illness is an important initial aim. However, as survival rates following stroke continue to rise, reduction of morbidity becomes a more pressing aim, as life after stroke should be worth living (Broomfield et al 2011). Since the physical consequences of stroke are variable and may include impairments in the motor and sensory systems, language, perception, emotional, and cognitive functions, estimation and understanding of disability after stroke is a high priority for health care systems (Kelly-Hayes et al 1998;Geyh et al 2004).…”

Post-Stroke Fatigue: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics and Treatment

“…These compensation strategies require enhanced planning and variation of activities to foster a more regular pattern of activities and rest [60]. An augmented form of cognitive behavioural therapy, as that proposed by Broomfield et al [61] for post-stroke depression, is a good starting point for addressing these issues. These therapies take into account cognitive deficits and therefore might aid in fostering the behavioural changes needed to apply compensation strategies.…”

Afasia y depresión post-ictus: una relación predictiva

“…El conocimiento actualizado de los factores de riesgo, el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz de esta enfermedad es por tanto esencial, una vez que un número creciente de estudios sugiere la eficacia de los tratamientos de la DPI, incluyendo terapia cognitiva-conductual intensiva 27 . Un estudio reciente demuestra el potencial terapéutico de la estimulación magnética transcraneana (EMT) en las afasias 28 .…”