Psychopharmacology and stroke.

The use of psychopharmacology for stroke patients requires careful attention to diagnosis, selection of medications for a particular use and avoidance of specific actions that interfere with recovery and function, and careful monitoring for results and side effects. Any given psychotropic medication may be used to treat a number of psychiatric and other problems. This review focuses on specific clinical implications for the use of antipsychotic, antidepressant, psychostimulant, antimanic, anxiolytic, and other selected agents in stroke.

Psychobehavioral problems other than depression in stroke.

With the exception of depression and cognitive changes, there has been relatively little attention paid to psychiatric disorders or to psychosocial and behavioral changes that may present after stroke. This article addresses that deficiency by reviewing psychiatric symptoms and syndromes and other psychosocial and behavioral problems that may present in the stroke survivor: mood disorders other than unipolar depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders, substance abuse, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbance, organic mental disorders, and behavioral problems. The special concerns and functional impact these presentations have in the stroke population are discussed along with diagnostic and treatment options.

Depression and stroke.

Depression in stroke patients was observed many years ago but only recently has become the subject of systematic study. While estimates of depression vary, some have noted its occurrence in more than half of stroke patients. Our understanding of depression has been facilitated by refinements in diagnostic categories, analysis of contributing factors including the biology of depression, and refinements in evaluation to include cognitive and linguistic impairments that are common after stroke.

Families and stroke: The clinical implications of research findings.

Clinical and research attention to stroke care has focused on managing the acute stage of recovery and on evaluating the short-term effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. However, studies suggest that stroke affects the quality of life and the well-being of the entire family over much longer time frames. This article reviews the stroke literature as it relates to stroke rehabilitation and the family.