Feelings of uncertainty increase post-stroke depression risk in men

Not knowing what will happen in the future following a stroke has been observed to increase the risk of depression in male patients, more so than in females.

A new study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation claims that the degree to which stroke survivors are uncertain about their health outcomes affects the chance of them experiencing depression.

While this link holds true in both males and females, it has been observed to be more pronounced in males.

Dr Michael J McCarthy, lead investigator on the study, claims that this is often because men take pride in being in control of their health and a stroke prevents them from doing this.

"For these individuals, loss of control due to infirmity caused by stroke could be perceived as a loss of power and prestige," he said. "These losses, in turn, may result in more distress and greater depressive syndromes."

Read about support and personalised care at Barchester care homes for anyone with mental health concerns.