Psychosocial/Behavioral Intervention in Post-Stroke Depression

150 patients at University of Washington affiliated hospitals who are found to be depressed by DSMIV criteria within the first four months following ischemic stroke will be invited to join the study, and randomly assigned to a problem-solving/pleasant events intervention provided by an advanced practice nurse, or to regular clinic follow-up. Both groups will receive standard antidepressant treatment and written materials from the American Stroke Association, and will be assessed for up to two years following the study. The primary outcome is reduction in depression at 12 months following stroke. Secondary outcomes are reductions in limitations in activity (Barthel Index), reduction in limitation in participation (Stroke Impact Scale) and overall stroke impact (Stroke Impact Scale) at 6, 12, and 24 months post- stroke. We hypothesize that all patients will improve their mood and functional ability related to their post-stroke standard treatment, but that those who receive the psychosocial intervention will have significantly greater improvement in mood, functional ability, social participation, and less overall stroke impact at all follow-up measurement. A supplemental aim is to expand aim 4 of the parent study, adding SERT genotype to our list of factors that might influence treatment outcome for PSD. Further, since we are screening both depressed and not depressed stroke survivors for this study, we will add a fifth aim: to compare ischemic stroke survivors who are and are not depressed within the first four months following stroke by their 5-HTTLPR genotypes (s/s, s/l, or l/l).

Inclusion criteria

Ischemic stroke within previous 4 months Screens positive for depressive symptoms by Geriatric Depression Scale Able to provide informed consent -

Exclusion criteria

Subarachnoid or intracranial hemorrhagic stroke Global aphasia Reduced level of consciousness (GCS <15)