 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2008-08-01 09:35:00
Cardiovascular disease, stroke, & depression
Question: Can depression result from a stroke or other cardiovascular-related events?
Answer: Yes. In fact, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in North America and, according to the World Health Organization, depression has been cited as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Many studies that link depression and heart disease include stroke, coronary artery disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, congestive heart disease and even diabetes.
According to the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, “Depression is common during the first few months after stroke and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality.” Early diagnosis and treatment of post-stroke depression can significantly improve the patient’s progress, outcome and survival rate — an important reason to identify health care facilities, such as inpatient rehabilitation centers, that provide post-stroke depression plans of care for their patients.
Severity of the disease process is directly linked to the severity of depression and correlates closely to patients’ ability or inability to care for themselves, continue with the regular activities of daily living, communicate effectively and be socially involved. In a recent article in American Journal of Managed Care there was a suggestion that the more risk factors the patient has, the higher the risk of depression. It also suggested patients are healthier if they stop smoking, reduce body mass index and improve their diet and exercise regimen.
Communication between clinicians involved with a patient’s care is critical, allowing early recognition of symptoms to be shared with the entire team as it plans care for depression related to the stroke and/or heart disease. Family and other caregivers also must communicate effectively, sharing information with and asking questions of the clinical care team.
Treatment for depression related to stroke and heart disease may include:
•early acute care hospital treatment
•discharge to an inpatient rehab hospital with depression identified
•consultation and treatment planning with a neuropsychologist
•early implementation of a behavioral health protocol
•participation in patient/family support groups
•effective communication with primary care physician(s)
Solid communication from acute care to rehab to home creates a continuum of care for positive patient outcomes.
With heart disease, stroke and depression being so closely intertwined it is very important to address and effectively treat them together — which is possible at an inpatient rehab facility that provides post-stroke care and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities or the Joint Commission.
During their inpatient stay, patients receive 24 hour, 7 days a week rehab nursing care and are involved in three hours of combined therapies per day for a minimum of five days per week. This type of progressive rehab care will identify depression-related issues and address them.
