Many Stroke Survivors Think About Suicide, Study Shows

A federal health survey finds a troublingly high rate of suicidal thinking among stroke survivors.

Researchers say that 1 in 12 stroke survivors reported being bothered by thoughts of harming themselves or that they would be better off dead. That is more than people with other health problems such as heart attacks or cancer and it suggests that depression after stroke is more serious than many had realized.

The study involved about 700 stroke survivors surveyed from 2005 through 2010. Doctors say that up to one-third of stroke survivors develop depression and the study shows a need for more awareness and treatment to help them live fuller lives.

The study was discussed Thursday at an American Stroke Association conference in Honolulu.

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