Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the temporal effects of psychological distress on the
functional recovery of stroke survivors. DESIGN:
A longitudinal follow-up study.
All participants were interviewed at 5 days after stroke onset,
and at 1, 2, 3,
and 6 months after discharge from acute care hospitals. SETTING: Neurology
inpatient and outpatient departments and rehabilitation clinics. PARTICIPANTS:
First-time stroke participants
(N=62) without cognitive impairment, psychiatric
disorders, or cancer were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: Measurements consisted of demographic characteristics, disease
severity, social support, the Chinese version of the Emotional and Social
Dysfunction Questionnaire (ESDQ_C), and the Barthel Index. RESULTS: Our findings
showed that psychological distress had a dynamic effect on functional recovery
over time, and as the total ESDQ_C score increased by 1 point, the concurrent
functional recovery decreased by .23 points (P<.001). Additionally, 5 subscales
of the ESDQ_C including anger, emotional dyscontrol, helplessness, indifference,
and euphoria also had dynamic effects on functional recovery over time (P<.05).
Regardless of when a single form or various forms of psychological distress
occurred over time from stroke onset, the functional recovery over time was
simultaneously affected. CONCLUSIONS: The time-varying effect of psychological
distress on functional recovery was significant. Adopting comprehensive
instruments and regular assessments for the early detection of various
psychological distresses while under clinical care is needed. Effective
interventions targeting both physical and mental functions would further improve
the functional recovery and overall health of stroke patients.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS