Study Shows Link Between Depression, Strokes - National Stroke Association

Study Shows Link Between Depression, Strokes
Friday, August 12, 2011

www.upi.com

Depressed women have a greater risk of stroke than non-depressed women and those who take antidepressants face an even higher risk, U.S. researchers say.

A Harvard University study found women with a history of depression have a 29 percent greater risk of having a stroke and those taking antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac or Zoloft, face a 39 percent higher risk, USA Today reported Friday.

The study did not link increased risk directly to the medication but rather to the level of depression the use of such medications can indicate.

"Although we found women who took antidepressants were at higher risk, I don't have anything to indicate it's because of the medications," said senior study author Kathryn Rexrode, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.