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Depression and Suicide Risk After a Stroke

by Savitha C Muppala on Feb 10 2013 1:54 AM

 Depression and Suicide Risk After a Stroke
Nearly 6 million Americans have suffered a stroke and studies point out that one-third of stroke survivors develop depression. One out of 12 survivors of stroke has contemplated suicide and thought things would be better if they are gone, a recent federal survey revealed.
It just goes to show how much depression following a stroke is a reality and more serious than imagined. Therefore, it is important that patients have their depression treated, so they are in a better position to deal with their life, take medicines and go or therapy.

"It's not necessarily active suicidal thoughts with a plan, but perhaps wishing you hadn't survived the event," Towfighi explained.

Research revealed that the risk of suicidal thoughts were higher among people who scored high in depression tests, were overweight, unmarried, or less educated.

"It's not necessarily the reaction to the disease ... it's also the disease itself that is causing the depression," by releasing harmful chemicals that can trigger it, said a neurologist Dr. Brian Silver of Brown University.

Suicidal thinking is a common problem and now that we know the risks of depression after stroke, it clearly shows the need to watch out for such symptoms and get it treated.



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Source-Medindia


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