The Emotional Impact Of Stroke - Life After Stroke: Stroke
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
The emotional impact of stroke
Given that the brain is the cradle of your emotions and your psyche, it is not surprising that a brain attack can have psychological reverberations. As you recover from your stroke, you may find yourself flooded with feelings that are overpowering or misplaced. It's not uncommon to feel an increased urge to laugh or cry inappropriately, or to get angry easily. You may also experience sexual dysfunction. Although counseling is part of rehabilitation, your need for counseling may last far longer than your need for muscle-strengthening exercises or speech therapy. Psychosocial counseling for you and your family can help you learn to live with the aftershocks of your stroke.
Depression
About 25% of people who've had a stroke develop major depression. (For symptoms of major depression, see "Is it depression?") Left untreated, depression can undermine efforts at rehabilitation and worsen cognitive disabilities, such as difficulty with speech and language. For some people, depression is a reaction to the impairments caused by the stroke. For others, it may stem from injury to certain parts of the brain. If you think you are suffering from depression, talk to your doctor. If you are getting rehabilitation therapy, find out if there is a psychologist affiliated with the rehab program. Psychotherapy, antidepressants, or both may be helpful.
Is it depression?The following test can help determine whether you are suffering from serious depression after a stroke. (Answer yes or no.)
You may be suffering from depression if you answered yes to at least five of these questions, and these symptoms have persisted for at least two weeks. If you answered yes to statement 3, seek professional help immediately regardless of your other responses. |
| Last updated: | September 05, 2008 |
|---|
Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
