Project Summary:
Depression after stroke is common and is associated with poor quality of life. Effective strategies to prevent the development of depression after stroke may also reduce anxiety, increase participation in rehabilitation programmes, and improve physical function and quality of life. A cost effective, simple yet practical prevention strategy has been identified as a potentially suitable intervention. As the study is in progress and participants are not made aware of the nature of the intervention details of this intervention cannot be described in this report.
In two clinical trials this intervention was effective in reducing death by suicide in depressed psychiatric inpatients, and nearly halved repeat episodes of deliberate self poisoning following general hospital treatment. In this current pilot study we will recruit patients with stroke from Gosford Hospital and randomise them to either receive this intervention from their treating stroke unit doctors after stroke or to receive usual care. We will assess mood and quality of life at 6 months post-stroke. If the intervention shows evidence of effectiveness we will proceed with a large-scale multicentre trial.
This is a collaborative trial co-ordinated jointly by independent investigators at The George Institute for International Health (Dr Maree Hackett), Central Coast Stroke Services (Dr Jonathan Sturm, Dr Denis Crimmins), and The Department of Liaison-Psychiatry at Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Brain and Mental Health Priority Research Centre, University of Newcastle (A/Prof Greg Carter). The 2008 Brain Foundation Grant will be invaluable in supporting the costs of running this study.
The Brain Foundation is dedicated to funding the next generation of Australian research into brain disorders, diseases, and injuries, with the ultimate goal of advancing diagnoses, treatments, and patient outcomes.