Beyond stroke: A comprehensive assessment of apathy and depression in post stroke patients.

Stroke is a neurological condition caused by sudden damage to the central nervous system due to vascular issues like cerebral infarction or hemorrhage. Strokes can result in death or impairments in physical and cognitive functions, along with lasting psychological and social consequences.

Post-stroke, patients may struggle with physical movement, bladder and bowel control, numbness, memory, speech, emotional control, and depression. Reviews indicate that stroke survivors and their caregivers often feel they are inadequately informed about the condition.

Apathy and depression are common in post-stroke patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and rehabilitation. This study aims to screen for apathy and depression using the Dimensional Apathy Scale (DAS) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaires. The DASS helps identify the relationship between stress, depression, anxiety, and apathy, providing valuable insights for appropriate interventions.

This study aims to assess post-stroke depression and apathy using the DASS, the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), and the SS-QoL (Stroke-Specific Quality of Life) questionnaire. The primary objective of the study is to assess apathy and depression in post-stroke patients using the DAS and DASS questionnaires. The secondary objectives include determining medication adherence in stroke patients using the MARS, assessing the quality of life of post-stroke patients using the SS-QoL questionnaire, providing basic information on apathy and depression to stroke patients and their caregivers through telecommunication, and checking for drug interactions.