Post-stroke depression (PSD) and anxiety are common neuropsychiatric sequelae of stroke, occurring in roughly one-third of survivors. Cognitive impairment is also frequently observed, affecting up to half of stroke patients. These conditions adversely impact rehabilitation and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Stigma surrounding depression continues to be a major barrier to treatment, social inclusion, and recovery. While general attitudes toward mental illness have been widely studied, fewer investigations have focused on the specific beliefs that drive stigma toward individuals with depression in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) in Eastern European settings, particularly in Moldova.