Background: Stroke recovery extends beyond physical deficits, with Post-Stroke Depression (PSD) being an important psychological complication that may adversely affect functional recovery and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among stroke survivors at three months after stroke and assess its association with functional independence.

Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke survivors attending three-month follow-up at a tertiary care hospital. Of 56 participants initially enrolled, 48 completed the three-month assessment. Depression was evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), functional independence using the Barthel Index, and quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life scale. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected through structured interviews and medical-record review. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed.

Results: The mean age of participants was 61.4 ± 10.1 years, with 56% being male. At three months after stroke, 83.3% of participants had post-stroke depression. HDRS scores showed a significant negative correlation with Barthel Index scores (r = −0.292, p = 0.044), indicating that greater depressive symptoms were associated with poorer functional independence. Older age was significantly associated with higher depression scores (r = 0.316, p = 0.028). Educational status was also significantly associated with depression (p = 0.027), while gender and marital status were not. Depression was significantly associated with greater dependence in activities of daily living (p = 0.003). Psychological health was the most affected quality-of-life domain.

Conclusion: Post-stroke depression was highly prevalent three months after stroke and was associated with reduced functional independence and greater dependence in daily activities. These findings highlight the need to address psychological health alongside physical rehabilitation. Routine depression screening, early psychological intervention, caregiver support, and integrated mental health services may improve functional recovery and quality of life among stroke survivors.

Shria Datta is an accomplished medical graduate from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, with a strong academic, clinical, research, and leadership profile. She completed her MBBS with distinction in multiple subjects and is very passionate about Neurology. She has completed her USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 CK exams. Her clinical training spans more than 12 specialties, with extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Hematology/Oncology. She completed clinical rotations at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine and UTHealth Houston, where she gained hands-on experience in patient care, inpatient rounds, clinical documentation, diagnostic evaluation, and evidence-based management of complex hematologic conditions. She also completed her internship at AIIMS Patna. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic medicine and research, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and additional ongoing research projects. Her achievements include an ICMR research scholarship, multiple research oral presentations at international and domestic conferences, and success in national and state-level medical quizzes. She has also contributed to community health initiatives and telemedicine services. Beyond medicine, she enjoys art, badminton, public speaking, and Model United Nations, reflecting her diverse interests and dedication to continuous personal and professional growth.