Catastrophic reaction in acute stroke: A reflex behavior in aphasic patients

Twelve patients with a catastrophic reaction (CR) (an outburst of frustrati on, depression, and anger when confronted with a task) were identified in a prospective cohort population (n = 326) with first-ever stroke admitted wi thin 48 hours from onset. The authors' findings suggest that CR is a rare t hough not exceptional phenomenon in acute stroke and is associated with non fluent aphasias and left opercular lesions. CR, poststroke depression, and emotionalism are distinct but related disorders.