Research advances on the pathogenesis and clinical interventions of post-stroke depression

Gao L, Song J, Zhao M, Wang R, Chen Y, Li M, An H, Zhou Z, Tan W, Huang Z (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Frontiers in Neurology Frontiers Research Foundation / Frontiers Media

Book Volume: 17

Article Number: 1789695

DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1789695

Abstract

Background – Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common neuropsychiatric complication affecting 30–50% of stroke survivors, impairing rehabilitation, quality of life, and prognosis. Main body – This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence on PSD pathogenesis (neurotransmitter dysregulation, neuroinflammation, impaired neuroplasticity; psychosocial factors such as stress and social support deficits; gene–environment interactions including 5-HTT and BDNF polymorphisms), clinical interventions (pharmacotherapy with SSRIs/SNRIs, psychotherapy including CBT, neuromodulation via rTMS/tDCS/ECT, novel agents such as ketamine, and multidisciplinary models), and prevention (risk stratification, early screening with PHQ-9/HAMD, personalized biological/psychosocial strategies, and digital monitoring). Conclusion – Despite gaps in long-term data and validated biomarkers, multidisciplinary integrated care and precision medicine approaches offer promising avenues to optimize screening, early intervention, prevention, and long-term outcomes for stroke survivors.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jiazhao Song Professur für Experimentelle Tumorpathologie

Involved external institutions

Liuzhou TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Hospital CN China (CN) First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University CN China (CN) Guangzhou Medical University (GMU) / 广州医科大学 CN China (CN)

How to cite

APA:

Gao, L., Song, J., Zhao, M., Wang, R., Chen, Y., Li, M.,... Huang, Z. (2026). Research advances on the pathogenesis and clinical interventions of post-stroke depression. Frontiers in Neurology, 17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2026.1789695

MLA:

Gao, Leqi, et al. "Research advances on the pathogenesis and clinical interventions of post-stroke depression." Frontiers in Neurology 17 (2026).

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