Emotional and mental dysfunctions correspond to areas in the brain that have been damaged. Emotional problems following stroke can be due to direct damage to emotional centers in the brain or from frustration and difficulty adapting to new limitations. Post-stroke emotional difficulties include
anxiety,
panic attacks,
flat affect (failure to express emotions),
mania,
apathy and
psychosis. Other difficulties may include a decreased ability to communicate emotions through facial expression, body language and voice.