Predictors of emotional distress after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to identify factors relating to emotional distress in the first 6 months after stroke in a sample including patients with aphasia.


METHODS
One hundred patients who were in hospital at 1 month after stroke were recruited and assessed on measures of communication impairment (Sheffield Screening Test), personal activities of daily living (Barthel Index), and emotional distress (Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale). Demographic and stroke characteristics were recorded. Patients (n=92) were reassessed on the same measures 6 months after stroke, in addition to assessing extended activities of daily living (Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale).


RESULTS
Patients were aged 44 to 86 years (51 men), and 21 were classified as having aphasia. Multiple linear regression showed that expressive communication impairment and dependence in personal activities of daily living were significant predictors of emotional distress at 1 month after stroke (R(2)=24%). Expressive communication impairment, emotional distress at 1 month after stroke, and having a more severe stroke were significant predictors of emotional distress at 6 months after stroke (R(2)=55%). Distress levels were similar at 1 month and 6 months after stroke. Demographic characteristics and side of lesion were unrelated to distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Expressive communication impairment and level of disability in personal activities of daily living were related to distress. Distress was persistent in the first 6 months after stroke. Appropriate treatment strategies need to be developed and evaluated for patients who have communication impairments.
Thomas
Shirley A
SA
Division of Rehabilitation & Ageing, University of Nottingham, B Floor Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK. shirley.thomas@nottingham.ac.uk
Lincoln
Nadina B
NB
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000368:Aged; D001037:Aphasia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*