Stroke patients have an increased risk of suicide

After stroke: Increased risk of depression and suicide

Studies have shown that many patients suffer from depression after a stroke. These are also associated with an increased risk of suicide, as researchers found in a scientific investigation.

More than half of the patients need help in the long term

According to health experts, more than a quarter of a million Germans suffer a stroke each year. The so-called cerebral infarction is the most common consequence of disability in adulthood. According to a statement from the German Stroke Help Association, around 60 percent of surviving patients depend on long-term therapy, aids or care. Therefore, it is not surprising that post-stroke depression (PSD), depression after stroke, is now considered one of the most common sequelae of the disease. The mental illness apparently also increases the risk of suicide, as researchers found in a study.

Experts believe that about one-third of stroke patients develop depression. Many of them also increase the risk of suicide. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com)

About one third of those affected develop depression

Experts believe that about one-third of stroke patients develop depression sooner or later in the international literature.

The reasons for the experts see it mainly in the mourning of the patients about the permanent loss of skills and their disease-related lack of motivation, which prevents further rehabilitation.

A cycle from which those affected often do not come out without medical / therapeutic help.

More than twice the risk of suicide

That depression in stroke patients is also associated with an increased risk of suicide, could previously only be suspected.

A study from Taiwan, published last year in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) supports this thesis.

For 12 years, the researchers observed over 700,000 stroke patients and compared their data to 1.4 million people, who matched the age group and sex of the patient group.

Most important result: For stroke patients, the suicide risk was more than twice as high. Those most at risk were those who were younger (under 50), who had low incomes, or who lived in rural areas.

Results seem plausible

"The result is not surprising," said the Essen neurologist Prof. Dr. med. Mario Siebler, Regional Officer of the German Stroke Help Foundation.

"Younger people often have the most to lose. Stroke can plunge patients into financial difficulties because they often lose their jobs. Added to this is the loss of mobility, which can quickly lead to loneliness, especially in rural areas. "

Even if the results can not be transferred 1: 1 to German standards, there are no doubts about the tendency, according to Siebler.

A special sensitivity to the risk

Therefore, the German Stroke Assistance Foundation appeals to physicians and therapists who treat stroke patients to develop a particular sensitivity to this risk. The topic of depression is still difficult to convey to patients and relatives.

"In rehabilitation, we often treat stroke patients today against an impending depression," says Siebler.

"But it can only develop later, when the patients are at home and become more and more aware of their situation."

In the first few weeks after a stroke, rehabilitation successes are usually the greatest. As time progresses, progress becomes smaller and smaller.

Only a few findings

According to the National Care Guidelines, depression is treated with antidepressants and / or psychotherapy.

That the treatment with such drugs is effective, has also been proven in studies.

However, there are few findings on the treatment of post-stroke depression in home care.

According to the German Stroke Assistance, a German study examining the long-term outcome of rehabilitation of aftercare patients registered an increase in depression. (Ad)