Childhood Stroke May Increase Risk of Anxiety, Depression, and Physical Symptoms

By The American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2025

Children who experience a stroke may be at higher risk for developing anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches, particularly between ages 8 and 9, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto analyzed data from 161 children who suffered an ischemic stroke (caused by a blocked blood vessel) between 2002 and 2020. These children were part of the hospital’s stroke registry and were monitored until adulthood. Between ages 5 and 17, they completed a Behavior Assessment System for Children questionnaire to screen for depression, anxiety, and somatization (physical symptoms caused by psychological distress).

Key Findings:

• 13% of childhood stroke survivors had depression, 13.7% had anxiety, and 17.4% experienced somatization.

• The highest risk of developing mental health challenges occurred between ages 8.5 and 9.6.

• Stroke survivors scored higher on mood, anxiety, and somatization assessments than their peers in the general population.

• Children who exhibited somatization symptoms were more likely to have experienced a stroke after age 2.

Dr. Nomazulu Dlamini, director of the Children’s Stroke Program in Toronto, emphasized that mental health issues in young stroke survivors are often overlooked. “We need to identify the warning signs early and provide support to improve their quality of life,” she said.

Dr. Jennifer Crosbie, a psychologist at The Hospital for Sick Children, noted that while medical advances have improved physical recovery, mental health effects can linger long after hospital discharge. “Parents often report ongoing emotional struggles in their children. Early intervention is crucial,” she explained.

Experts stress that health care professionals should proactively screen for mental health disorders in childhood stroke survivors, including less obvious symptoms like frequent stomach aches and minor pains.

Dr. Heather J. Fullerton, a leading pediatric stroke expert, highlighted the underrecognized link between anxiety and physical symptoms in young children. “This study shows we need to incorporate mental health check-ins as part of follow-up care,” she said.

While the study provides valuable insights, researchers acknowledge limitations, including its single-site design and reliance on questionnaires instead of clinical evaluations. Further research is needed to develop standardized mental health screenings for childhood stroke survivors.