LACK OF EMPHASIS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION FOR STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

It has been observed that most of the patients are not aware of the dilapidating affects of post stroke depression on their
recovery, survival and a return to normal activities of life. The lack of emphasis on psychological rehabilitation for stroke
patients is a source of concern for me and I would like to bring to your attention about the facts regarding the implications of
proper psychological rehabilitation is not undertaken.
Stroke survivors report a range of emotional difficulties, most common being fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness and a
sense of grief for their physical and mental losses.
Usually these feelings may fade over time however, some patients may struggle with adjusting to the many changes following
stroke. When this happens these feelings can develop into depression. It is estimated that approximately one-third of stroke1
survivors develop post-stroke depression (PSD)