Introduction
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common complication of stroke. Patients with depression may present with low mood, retardation of thought, self-accusation and self-incrimination. Post-stroke depression may worsen patients’ mental distress, aggravate their physical symptoms, delay functional recovery and increase the risk of recurrent stroke and death, imposing a heavy burden on their families and society.1,2
It has been reported that the prevalence of PSD ranges from 20% to 79% (mostly 40%–50%) in global populations, with severe depression accounting for approximately 10%. This statistic reflects the proportion of existing PSD cases observed in diverse geographic regions and populations.3,4 In addition to affecting patients’ emotions, depression can impair cognitive function and reduce treatment…