Table 1

Neuropsychiatric disturbances after stroke

DisorderPrevalenceMain clinical characteristicsAdverse effects
PSD13–57%

  • Depressed mood

  • Loss of energy

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Guilt

Associates with higher rates of stroke recurrence, lower quality of life and higher mortality3
PSAD6–90%

  • Anxiety or worry

  • Irritation

  • Nervous tension

Increases the risk of future strokes, permanent loss of function and ultimately death4
PSA12–71%

  • Low motivation

  • Reduced initiative

  • Loss of self-activation

Prevents patients from participating in rehabilitation programmes, resulting in delayed physical and social recovery6
PSF25–85%

  • Self-control and emotional instabilities

  • Reduced mental capacity

  • Reduction in energy needed for daily activities

Associates with shorter survival times, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of disability and mortality5
PSH6–44%

  • Aggravation by routine physical activity

  • Association with nausea

  • Photophobia and phonophobia

Important cause of disability and increase in recurrence of stroke7
PSI15–68%

  • Difficulty initiating/maintaining sleep

  • Early-morning awakening

  • Daytime dysfunction

Associates with depression, disability and fatigue, as well as a significant impact on return to work 1 year after stroke8
PSCI15–55%

  • Memory deficits

  • Higher-order visuospatial and attentional dysfunction

  • Executive dysfunction

Results in reduced quality of life and increased burden on families9

  • PSA, post-stroke apathy; PSAD, post-stroke anxiety disorder; PSCI, post-stroke cognitive impairment; PSD, post-stroke depression; PSF, post-stroke fatigue; PSH, post-stroke headache; PSI, post-stroke insomnia.