(May 27, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Treatment with an antidepressant drug or participation in problem-solving therapy can help reduce the risk of developing depression in the year following a stroke, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here is some information about the emotional effects of having a stroke:

•    In the weeks or months following a stroke, it is common to experience a wide variety of emotions, including fear, anger, frustration, or depression.

•    Depression is the most common emotional disturbance suffered by stroke survivors.

•    Depression following a stroke can be serious, as it has been linked with both reduced recovery of the ability to conduct activities of daily living and an increased risk of death.

Researchers from the University of Iowa randomized nearly 200 stroke victims to receive the antidepressant Lexapro, to participate in group problem-solving therapy, or to receive a placebo. Problem-solving therapy consisted of 12 session in which patients selected a problem and worked through it to come to a solution. Participants received their treatment within three months of having their stroke and continued with it for 12 months.

Patients who took a placebo were 4.5 times more likely than those who took Lexapro and 2.2 times more likely than those who participated in problem-solving therapy to experience depression during the year they received treatment. This means that depression could be prevented in one stroke patient for every seven who receive Lexapro and every nine who receive problem-solving therapy.

Today's research demonstrates the effectiveness of the antidepressant Lexapro and, to a lesser extent, problem-solving therapy for preventing depression after a stroke. Preventing depression may help improve patients' level of functioning and reduce their risk of dying.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.