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Abstract
Post-stroke depression (PSD) occurs in 5–70% of people following stroke and can last from 6 months to 2 years. PSD has been shown to have a negative impact on functional recovery from stroke and is therefore of relevance to physiotherapy. Causative factors implicated in PSD include: biological factors (location of the lesion, genetic predisposition and abnormal neurotransmitter function), psychological factors (reaction to catastrophe) and social factors (isolation and family supports). The management of PSD reported in the literature includes pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, but there is little evidence of the effectiveness of either of these treatment strategies. However, behavioural and cognitive strategies may be used during physiotherapy sessions with the hope of improving motivation and enhancing recovery from PSD.