Generalized anxiety and depression. Assessment over 2 years after stroke.
The authors examined the course of anxiety up to 2 years after stroke in relation to depressive symptoms, impairment in activities of daily living (ADLs), and social functioning. One hundred forty-two patients were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after stroke. Anxiety was associated with greater depression severity at all follow-up visits. Depression severity was associated with impairment in ADLs at followup; association of anxiety and impairment in ADLs was present only at the intake visit, with independent effects only for women. Women reported more symptoms of both anxiety and depression during the 2-year period. Younger patients reported more anxiety symptoms, but there was no difference between age-groups in depressive symptoms. Severity of anxiety was also related to higher depression scores at initial hospitalization, but not in the remainder of the 2-year period. In summary, anxiety is associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms and greater impairment in function primarily during the acute hospitalization period. Women and younger patients also may be more vulnerable to anxiety after stroke.
Schultz
S K
SK
Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Castillo
C S
CS
Kosier
J T
JT
Robinson
R G
RG
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011788:Quality of Life; D012803:Sick Role