Patients
mental illness, HAMD, drug abuse or dependence, cognitive impairment, stroke, neurological disorder, dementia, bipolar disorder, Acute stroke, psychiatric, psychotic symptoms, Depression
ACUTE STROKE, NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER, STROKE
Acute stroke patients who had been hospitalized at the PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center were recruited from August 2020 to February 2021. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) primary diagnosis of stroke with a confirmation of magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and with the last onset within 2 weeks, (2) aged over 18‐year old, (3) scoring at least 8 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD or HDRS) scale, (4) being conscious and able to verbally and effectively communicate with the researchers, (5) having primary school education level or above, (6) having signed informed consent, and able to participate in the group intervention on time. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) having a history of mental illness (such as bipolar disorder) or dementia, using psychiatric drugs or sedatives within 6 months, or currently using antidepressants, (2) a diagnosis of cognitive impairment as assessed by the Mini–Mental State Examination, (3) receiving a psychological therapy in the previous 3 months, or currently experiencing severe psychotic symptoms, and (4) a history of drug abuse or dependence or any neurological disorder other than a stroke.We assessed 693 patients for eligibility, of whom 140 were randomized and 70 received treatment within our study. Not meeting inclusion criteria or declining to participate were the main reasons for exclusion from the study.