The measurement of emotional reaction and depression in a South African stroke population.

The study evaluated the sensitivity of a newly devised scale for measurement of emotional reactions and depression, on a group of 25 stroke patients, with right or left hemisphere damage, and 15 age-matched controls. Four clusters were examined: communication, expression of emotions, sense of self and physical or psychomotor problems. Case history factors such as time since onset, gender, anti-depressant medication and severity of aphasia were related to performance on the scale. Results indicated that the scale allowed for expression of emotion in all three groups tested and that speech and communication items significantly differentiated right and left hemisphere subjects. A strong correlation was found between spouse reports and self reports on selected items of the scale. Time since onset was found to be important in predicting level of depression. These findings have implications for assessment and management of stroke.