Studies have shown that stroke often leads to depression, but the evidence from those studies has been mixed as to whether depression could lead to stroke. Now, according to a study published in the March 4, 2008, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, psychological distress, but not depression, may increase the risk of stroke.

“Stroke is among the leading causes of long-term disability and death worldwide... Understanding the mechanisms by which overall emotional health may increase stroke risk may inform stroke prevention and help identify those at increased stroke risk.”

study author Paul Surtees, PhD

Researchers studied 20,627 people who had never suffered a stroke for an average of 8.5 years. Participants answered questions concerning their psychological distress, based on a scale measuring well-being and their history of major depressive disorder. During the course of the study...

Continue reading Depression Not Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke.