Age-stratified analysis of depression onset patterns and treatment response differences following cerebral infarction

Figure 1 Temporal patterns of depression symptoms following acute cerebral infarction by age group. Depression severity [Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items (HAMD-17) scores, solid lines, left axis] and incidence rates (HAMD-17 ≥ 8, dashed lines, right axis) across 6-month follow-up in young (18-44 years, n = 68), middle-aged (45-64 years, n = 124), and elderly (≥ 65 years, n = 108) stroke patients. Distinct trajectories: The young group showed acute peak with recovery; middle-aged group maintained sustained elevation; elderly group demonstrated progressive delayed deterioration (time × group interaction: F = 12.847, P < 0.001). HAMD-17: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items; PHQ-9: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items.

Figure 2 Treatment response of depression symptoms following acute cerebral infarction by age group. Mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items total scores over 6-month follow-up in young (18-44 years, n = 68, blue), middle-aged (45-64 years, n = 124, orange), and elderly (≥ 65 years, n = 108, purple) stroke patients. Young patients showed early peak with recovery; middle-aged patients maintained sustained elevation; elderly patients demonstrated progressive worsening followed by plateau (time × group interaction: F = 12.847, P < 0.001). HAMD-17: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 items.