Journal of psychosomatic research
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Comparative Study
Screening for anxiety and depression after stroke: comparison of the hospital anxiety and depression scale and the Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale.
Anxiety and depression after stroke are frequent, but are often overlooked and not assessed. The aims of the study were to (1) assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and (2) compare the performance of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) as screening instruments for anxiety and depression disorders 4 months after stroke. ⋯ Anxiety is as prevalent as depression 4 months after stroke. MADRS and HADS-D perform acceptably as screening instruments for depression, and HADS-A for anxiety after stroke. However, lower HADS cut-offs than recommended for the general population should be considered for stroke patients.