The Impact of Depression on Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Aphasia who Participate in an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP)

Abstract Background: Aphasia is a multi-modal impairment resulting from left-hemisphere stroke. Aphasia is often accompanied by post-stroke depression. Acquiring aphasia and depression is seen to hinder quality of life and rehabilitative outcomes. Traditional stroke therapy often does not monitor or treat psychological difficulties such as depression. Such psychological difficulties hinder progress in recovery and may need to be addressed in therapy to ensure the best possible outcomes. Aims: In response to the lack of psychological support for persons with aphasia, this literature review aims to explore the impact of depression on functional outcomes. Furthermore, this literature review will explore how such adverse effects can be lessened in an emerging therapy model, the intensive comprehensive aphasia program (ICAP). Main Contribution: Post stroke risk of depression is higher in those with aphasia than those without. The ideal therapy model treats the patient as a whole and involves caregivers, social support, and collaborative care, in addition to treating the impairment. Conclusions: Neglecting to treat depression in persons with aphasia (PWA) may slow recovery rates and hinder patient outcomes. Functional disabilities, such as depression, impact treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. The ICAP model encompasses the practice of treating the patient as a whole which may result in improved outcomes, both in rehabilitation and in PWA’s quality of life. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of ICAPs. In addition, collaborative care with mental health professionals to offer psychological support for PWA in ICAPs should be further explored. Keywords: aphasia, depression, stroke, rehabilitatio