Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · May 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyLiving well with stroke: design and methods for a randomized controlled trial of a psychosocial behavioral intervention for poststroke depression.
Depression is a sufficiently common sequela of a completed stroke to warrant intervention to improve mood, social, and functional outcome. Pharmacologic trials suggest short-term mood improvement from antidepressant treatment but no studies to date have determined whether these short-term gains can be enhanced and extended by a brief psychosocial/behavioral intervention delivered by advanced practice nurses. In addition, drug trials have not reported on functional outcomes such as limitations in ability, limitations in participation, and overall quality of survival. This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of a new brief psychosocial/behavioral intervention adjunctive to antidepressant treatment in reducing poststroke depression and improving functional outcomes. ⋯ This article provides detail on the design and treatment methods of this randomized trial in progress. Findings from this study provide important information regarding the long-term efficacy of such a behavioral intervention in reducing poststroke depression and subsequent impaired aspects of psychosocial and physical recovery.