Background: Untreated poststroke mood problems may influence long-term outcomes. We aimed to investigate factors associated with receiving mental health treatment following stroke and impacts on long-term outcomes. Methods: Observational cohort study derived from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR; Queensland and Victorian registrants: 2012–2016) linked with hospital, primary care billing and pharmaceutical dispensing claims data. Data from registrants who completed the AuSCR 3 to 6 month follow-up survey containing a question on anxiety/depression were analyzed. We assessed exposures at 6 to 18 months and outcomes at 18 to 30 months. Factors associated with receiving treatment were determined using staged multivariable multilevel logistic regression models. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the impact of treatment on outcomes. Results: Among 7214 eligible individuals, 39% reported anxiety/depression at 3 to 6 months following stroke. Of these, 54% received treatment (88% antidepressant medication). Notable factors associated with any mental health treatment receipt included prestroke psychological support (odds ratio [OR], 1.80 [95% CI, 1.37–2.38]) or medication (OR, 17.58 [95% CI, 15.05–20.55]), self-reported anxiety/depression (OR, 2.55 [95% CI, 2.24–2.90]), younger age (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97–0.98]), and being female (OR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.13–1.48]). Those who required interpreter services (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.25–0.95]) used a health benefits card (OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.59–0.92]) or had continuity of primary care visits (ie, with a consistent physician; OR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.62–0.99]) were less likely to access mental health services. Among those who reported anxiety/depression, those who received mental health treatment had an increased risk of presenting to hospital (hazard ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01–1.11]) but no difference in survival (hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.58–1.27]). Conclusions: Nearly half of the people living with mood problems following stroke did not receive mental health treatment. We have highlighted subgroups who may benefit from targeted mood screening and factors that may improve treatment access.

Aphasia, a communication disability commonly caused by stroke, can profoundly affect a person’s mood and identity. We explored the experiences of stroke survivors with aphasia and depression who received a modified cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based psychological intervention. The therapy is manualized with a flexible treatment protocol, including 10 individually based therapy sessions (+2 booster sessions) either via telehealth or in person. Six participants with chronic aphasia (60% of the total sample) participated in in-depth interviews that were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two core themes were derived from the data: the first theme, helpful elements of therapy—doing enjoyable activities, new ways of thinking, problem solving, working with the experienced therapist, and using telehealth; and the second theme, making progress—mood, communication, acceptance of the ‘new me’, and improving relationships. All participants found the therapy to be helpful in managing mood problems with various elements being beneficial depending on the individual, highlighting the importance of tailoring the intervention. Therefore, delivering modified CBT to individuals with aphasia is likely to be acceptable both in person and through telehealth. Further evaluation of the intervention and its impact on mood would be beneficial.

Unmanaged mental health problems following a stroke can be detrimental to recovery. We aimed to explore the lived experience of (a) poststroke mental health difficulties, (b) help-seeking for mental health, including factors that influenced treatment access and utilization, and (c) receiving treatment and support. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted in 2022 with 13 participants (62% female, age at stroke 35-76 years) who had experienced mental health difficulties following their stroke. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with a critical realist approach. Six themes were identified. Mental health challenges poststroke were diverse in nature. Attitudes and previous experiences relating to mental health influenced the inclination to seek help. Participants valued an individualized approach to the provision and timing of psychoeducation. Accessibility of services was impacted by financial and transportation barriers, as well as availability of services and appropriately trained clinicians. Participation in support groups was a positive experience for most participants. Lived experience of mental health treatment ranged from positive to negative, and participants conveyed helpful and unhelpful aspects. Findings highlight the importance of early screening and psychoeducation provision for poststroke mental health difficulties, alongside accessible community-based mental health support services throughout the stroke recovery journey. Having varied options for mental health support and treatment may aid stroke survivors in finding an approach that personally works for them. Additionally, it may be helpful to train clinicians to tailor mental health treatment to accommodate stroke-related impairments (e.g., cognitive, sensorimotor). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Introduction: Young-onset dementia (YOD) is a dementia where symptom onset occurs at less than 65 years of age. There has been increased recognition of YOD with improved diagnostic assessments and the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Joint Solutions project aimed to evaluate the gaps and barriers along the pathway of care in Australia from a range of stakeholder perspectives to investigate access to services from those who have YOD and those who provide care for them. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative approach was used, with questionnaires designed in consultation with general practitioners (GPs), clinicians, people with YOD, caregivers and community service providers. Results: 313 people responded, including 45% lived experience ( n = 33 people with YOD; 105 caregivers), 30% clinicians ( n = 7 GPs; n = 86 clinicians), and 25% community providers. All states of Australia were represented, with Victoria having the largest proportion of respondents (39%). Time to diagnosis was 12 months from symptom onset for 70% of caregivers. Up to 90% of caregivers reported their family member with YOD had cognitive testing and neuroimaging. Access to age-appropriate post-diagnostic support varied, with 40% of caregivers reporting their family member received allied health and psychological support. There was limited information provided on employment, driving, legal and financial issues. Sixty percent of people with lived experience stated they had difficulties accessing the NDIS. Discussion: There is improvement in the diagnosis of YOD but access to and availability of post-diagnostic support varies. More work is needed to improve equity and collaboration between service providers and clinicians and those affected by YOD.

To describe types of mental health treatment accessed by community-based stroke survivors and factors associated with access.A sub-group of registrants from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry ...

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can effectively treat depression in the general population, but there is a lack of studies evaluating CBT tailored to specific cognitive and communication needs of individuals with post-stroke aphasia. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a modified CBT intervention to ameliorate depressive symptoms. An ABA withdrawal/reversal single case design with concurrent multiple baselines (2.5, 4.5, or 6.5 weeks) was repeated across 10 participants (six male, four female) with post-stroke aphasia and self-reported depression. Participants completed 10 individual intervention sessions with a clinical neuropsychologist and a 4-week follow-up. The primary outcome was self-rated depression, and secondary outcomes included observer-rated symptoms of depression and anxiety. Data were analysed visually and statistically controlling for baseline trend. Feasibility was addressed by analysing recruitment and retention rates, treatment adaptations, and fidelity ratings. Three participants self-reported decreased depression levels during the intervention phase, which was sustained for two participants. Four additional participants improved during the follow-up phase. Close others reported sustained improvements in depressive symptoms (six participants) and anxiety symptoms (seven participants). Modified CBT appears feasible and potentially efficacious in reducing depressive symptoms in post-stroke aphasia. A randomized controlled trial is warranted, and should consider additional treatment sessions.