Post-stroke depression is a frequent complication of stroke that has detrimental consequences for quality of life and functional outcomes. Daily life routines may increase feelings of security for some individuals confronted with age-related health concerns, but little information is available concerning their role following stroke. The aim of this investigation was to examine the association of depression and other psychological variables at hospitalization for stroke and behavioral routines and mood symptoms three months later using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA).

Forty-four patients with minor ischemic stroke were consecutively enrolled in the study. Stroke severity, handicap, depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline. EMA data acquired three months later were coded for the repetition of specific activities or behaviors occurring within the same time period across days.

Higher baseline depression and anxiety symptom severity were significantly associated with increased behavioral routines three months after stroke. The occurrence of routines was associated with a higher level of depressive symptomatology over subsequent hours of the day.

The findings demonstrate a general correlation between baseline psychological vulnerability and routines three months later, but within-day analyses suggest that routines may increase the risk of negative affect in this vulnerable population.