Abstract
Stroke is among the most common disabilities among adults and most stroke victims live in developing countries. However, little is known about services delivered in these countries for post-stroke depression, a common comorbidity that influences functional outcomes of stroke. In this paper, a physician from Syria reviews the literature on post-stroke depression among patients living in countries of the Middle East and North Africa region in order to examine whether current practices can be improved. Studies of prevalence were found in six of the region's countries and only four studies described interventions for stroke patients with clinical depression. The limited studies on prevalence confirmed that stroke incidence and post-stroke depression are common although diagnosed depression appears to vary depending on the economic environment of the country. Hence, additional interventions in MENA countries may be warranted to increase recognition of depression in stroke patients and to ensure health professionals are prepared to deliver appropriate services to stroke patients and their family-caregivers for depression when it occurs.
•Stroke and post-stroke depression (PSD) are common public health problems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.•There are only a limited number of published studies on PSD in MENA region's countries.•Intervention studies were founded in only 3 out of 20 countries in MENA region.•Comprehensive screening programs in MENA region’'s countries are required to increase recognition of PSD.•Interventions for stroke patients should anticipate that patients will get most of their rehabilitation care in their homes.