Healio (6/10, Herpen) reports a study found that “therapy for anxiety and depression after stroke was associated with improved recovery, with early treatment leading to better outcomes than delayed treatment.” Study results indicate that patients “who commenced psychological services 12 months or more after stroke had 20% lower odds for reliable recovery from symptoms of anxiety or depression compared with those who began attending within 6 months of their stroke. Both groups demonstrated moderate reductions in depression and large reductions in anxiety symptoms.” Yet data show “that patients who started treatment earlier consistently recorded lower” PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Researchers concluded, “It is essential for general practitioners and other clinicians working with stroke survivors to screen for depression and anxiety symptoms and refer patients for psychological therapy as early as possible.” The study was published in Nature Mental Health. (SOURCE: APA Headlines)