Patients can certainly become depressed by the great changes in their ability to function. If depression is prolonged, it can impair recovery. One study showed that people who suffered strokes and became depressed were three times more likely to die within ten years than stroke victims who were not depressed. There is a significantly increased risk of suicide in patients with stroke, especially in women and those under age 60. Tricycles may also be useful for neurologic emotionalism.
Anxiety disorder is also common and debilitating.
Some research, in fact, indicates that many patients suffer from feelings identical to post-traumatic stress syndrome. The two disorders often overlap, but drug treatments for each differ and may offset the other. It should be noted that many drugs for psychologic disorders effect the central nervous system and can actually delay rehabilitation. Skilled professional help is needed to determine the most effective and safest treatments. The Emotional State of the Caregiver.