Prevalence, time-course and predictors of depression after transient ischemic attack: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and validation

Background: Depression is common after stroke and is associated with increased mortality. However, there are few data on the prevalence after transient ischemic attack (TIA), and it is unclear whether TIA can trigger depression and, if so, what factors might suggest susceptibility in an individual. Methods: We completed a systematic review (Medline/PsycINFO/EMBASE searched to 20 March 2025) of published cross-sectional or cohort studies that reported the prevalence of depression at any time point after a TIA and validated the findings in a population-based cohort (Oxford Vascular Study; OXVASC). Pooled prevalence rates were calculated, risk factors reported and regression analyses were used to determine the proportion of between-study heterogeneity that could be accounted for by study methodology. Results: The search identified 26 studies; 23 reported data at a uniform time point after the TIA but the prevalence rates of depression were highly heterogeneous at each time point studied ( p het < 0.001 at