[Emotional reactions common sequelae of stroke].

Emotional reactions are important sequelae of stroke. Mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome and emotionalism, occur during the first post-stroke year, each of them in approximately 20-30% of patients. They often overlap, and prevalence estimates differ on account of differences in definitions; study populations; exclusion criteria and time of assessment. The risk seems to be greatest, at least for depression, in the first months after stroke. Some patients recover spontaneously but symptoms persist in up to one third. Pharmacological treatment can have a positive effect that also applies to rehabilitation, quality of life and cardiovascular mortality. However, study findings are not uniform and conclusive therapeutic and preventive intervention trials on mood disorders after stroke are urgently needed.