Early emotional interventions for post-stroke functional prognosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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By
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Ying Xiao
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Bin Huang
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Qin Liu
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Huan Du
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July 2, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Impact of Early Emotional Interventions on Functional Outcomes After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Post-stroke emotional disorders (PSEDs) |
| Key Mechanisms | Emotional interventions targeting mood disturbances to improve functional recovery. |
| Target Population | Adults with acute/subacute stroke (≤ 3 months). |
| Care Setting | Neurorehabilitation settings. |
Key Highlights
- Early emotional interventions significantly improve functional recovery post-stroke.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and combined interventions show the greatest benefits.
- Interventions initiated within 2 weeks post-stroke yield better outcomes.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Assess for post-stroke emotional disorders (depression and anxiety) in stroke survivors.
Management
- Implement early emotional interventions (pharmacological, psychological, neuromodulation) within 3 months post-stroke.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor functional outcomes using the Barthel Index and other relevant measures.
Risks
- Consider the risk of poor functional recovery associated with untreated PSEDs.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults with acute or subacute stroke experiencing emotional disturbances.
Interventions should be tailored based on the type of emotional disorder and timing of initiation.
Clinical Best Practices
- Initiate emotional interventions within 2 weeks post-stroke for optimal outcomes.
- Utilize a combination of therapeutic approaches for comprehensive care.
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