Abstract
Depression and apathy after stroke are very frequent and significant influence on quality of life in stroke patients. Robinson and his colleagues have argued specific relationship during acute period between the left frontal or left basal ganglia stroke and the high frequency and severity of post-stroke depression. This relationship has continued to dispute still remains unproven. Further research needs in this area.
The antidepressant treatment of post-stroke depression has been shown to improve activities of daily living, cognitive function and survival rate. Thus, appropriate diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke depression are very important. The apathy without depressed mood may mean the true apathy, in which cases, it is more effective dopamine agonists than antidepressants such as SSRI. The patients with severe depression need rest, but the patients with non-depressed apathy need behavioral therapy. In the future, it is very important the management by the medical team and to establish a community network to provide care and support for post-stroke patients.
