What is the prevalence of depression in people who have had a stroke?
Answer
The prevalence of depression in those with stroke varies between 10% and 45%. The reason there is such a broad range depends on several factors. It depends on the time the person was assessed as having depression and a stroke, the instruments used, the type of facility in which the person was assessed (acute, rehab or outpatient), and the level of the research. The peak incidence of having a stroke is between six months and two years post-stroke, but if you are working in acute care, the person may already be demonstrating some of the risk factors that would cause a person to develop a depression later on after their stroke has occurred.
Editor’s note: This Ask the Expert was adapted from the course, ‘Depression and Other Psychosocial Disorders Associated with Stroke’ that is available in text and video course formats.
Gina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, HPCS
Gina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with over 18 years of experience in pediatric, family-centered, and community-based practice. Her work focuses on sensory regulation, daily routines, habit formation, and supporting meaningful participation across environments. Gina has extensive experience teaching OT and OTA students and clinicians, with a strong emphasis on emerging areas of practice and real-world application of OT skills. Her current professional interests include the emerging intersection of occupational therapy, mental health, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, with a focus on preparation, sensory integration, environmental support, and post-experience integration within the OT scope. Gina brings a grounded, practical lens to complex topics, helping clinicians understand how core OT skills translate into emerging areas of practice.
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