Abstract: ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship among depression and anxiety and other possible factors in post-stroke patients.Methods510 hospitalized stroke patients from 1997 to 2004 were evaluated with the Scale of Elderly Cognitive Function (SECF), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in 7 days after admission and re-examined after two months.ResultsThe depression group exhibited the longer course of disease, a high ratio of hemiplegia in left side, lower ADL scores and higher SAS scores at time of admission. There were significant differences between depression and non-depression group. However, there was no significant difference between the depression and cognitive function. There were also significant differences between anxiety group and non-anxiety group. Patients with anxiety displayed symptoms of low ADL scores and higher SDS scores at time of admission, and ADL scores increased after treatment. Additionally, the course of disease was longer and reduction of anxiety level was lower. The levels of depression and anxiety significantly reduced in depression group and anxiety group when compared to the control group.ConclusionEarly rehabilitation can help to reduce depression level. Modest anxiety may help stroke patients to improve their ADL. There is close relationship between depression and anxiety.

Key words: stroke, depression, anxiety, cognitive function, activities of daily living