Neurological Disorders and Depression

Neurological disorders or diseases are also called nervous system diseases or disorders. They include:

• Diseases caused by faulty genes, such as muscular dystrophy
• Problems with how the nervous system develops, like spina bifida
• Degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
• Diseases and malfunctions of the blood vessels the supply the brain such as strokes
• Catastrophic injury or milder trauma to the spinal cord or to the brain
• Brain tumors, either benign or malignant
• Infections, such as meningitis[1]

Studies show that depression is common in individuals with physical illness, those who have suffered catastrophic injury, strokes, amputations, burns, post-traumatic stress syndrome and other kinds of injuries and challenging diagnoses. For example, estimates of the prevalence of depression after a stroke range from 20% to 72%[2]. Furthermore, depression in individuals with neurological disorders such as those that can result from stroke, multiple trauma, mild brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and neurologic involvements is generally associated with poorer quality of life, poorer compliance with medication regimens and a generally poorer quality of life[3].

In a broader sense, it is important to realize that all illnesses, injuries and trauma have, to some degree, a psychological or psychiatric element. Stated differently, catastrophic injuries do not seek to be rehabilitated, individuals do. Individuals have their own life histories, their own abilities, their own therapy needs and their own goals. But all have a desire for rehabilitation and for independence to the extent that their physical and mental abilities allow. That’s what NeuLife Rehab recognizes, honors and works with each Client to achieve every day.

An article in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry discussed several neurological conditions that are often mistaken for psychiatric ones because of similar presentations. Moods and emotions, like anger, depression (sometimes perceived by the individual as a general sense of sadness), happiness and fear are complex mental states in which behavioral, cognitive and subjective aspects exist. They can be linked to neurological disease and trauma. For example, brain lesions affecting the limbic system are especially likely to be associated with mood disturbance, which can be one of the first signs of neurological disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that is frequently accompanied by depression. In fact, Parkinson himself characterized individuals who had the disease as unhappy sufferers and melancholy[4].

Similarly, depression frequently occurs after an individual has had a stroke. A stroke is a brain trauma that is usually sudden and accompanied by a loss of function. Although the loss of function is often focal, it can result in an entirely different spectrum of psychiatric and psychological problems attributable, at least in part, to its suddenness. Whereas an individual with a neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s has time to “prepare” for what may be later functional disabilities, including decreased ability to attend to his or her own activities of daily living, an individual who has a stroke does not have that preparation time. In addition, an individual who experiences a stroke may be at greater risk for depression for these reasons:

• As a result of the stroke, he or she may have compounded losses, including physical function, job, financial, social status, relationship status;
• There may be a neurological inability to process the loss events;
• The stroke may affect that part of the brain involved in moderating mood
• The stroke may affect that part of the brain involved in controlling communication skills resulting in aphasia, apraxia or a related disorder.

When an individual becomes a Client of NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida, he or she undergoes a comprehensive assessment with a Client Goal Plan meeting established for review by the Client, family members, nurse case manager and attorney, if applicable, at an initial Client Goal Plan Conference scheduled less than one week following admission. Each Client Goal Plan includes clinical needs for rehabilitation and covers personal goals and preferences of the Client. Therapies are provided by NeuLife full-time staff who are Florida licensed and/or certified professionals. The professionals include but are not limited to:

• Board Certified Neurologist
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Board Certified Physiatrist
• Neuropsychologist
• Psychologist
• Board Certified Psychiatrist
• Speech Language Pathologist/Cognitive Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Nurses
• Certified Rehab Counselor

They, and all other members of the NeuLife Rehab multidisciplinary team are devoted to their calling to helping individuals with catastrophic injuries in this highly specialized program. This is fully in keeping with NeuLife’s dedication to consistently provide the highest standard of care in the delivery of clinically relevant services. NeuLife Rehab strives to achieve successful, sustained outcomes and exceed the expectations of all persons served.

Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period” —  the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.

NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best achieved in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourages, assists and supports each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to achieve function and independence.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is an accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amputations, Burns and other Catastrophic Injuries and Challenging Diagnoses.

2725 Robie Avenue

Mount Dora, Florida 32757

[1]MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Health,

2 Raskind MA. Diagnosis and treatment of depression comorbid with neurologic disorders. Am J Med 2008;121(11 Suppl 2):S28–37

3House A. Knapp P. BanfordJ et al. Mortality at 12 and 24 months after stroke may be associated with depressive symptoms at 1 month. Stroke 2001:696-701

[4] http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/76/suppl_1/i31.full