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Does post-traumatic stress disorder occur after stroke: a preliminary study.
S Sembi, Tarrier N, P O'Neil, Burns AS
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 1998;13( 5):315-22.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND and PURPOSE: Psychological reactions after stroke have been recognized for some time. The present study examined whether psychological symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could occur after stroke as a consequence of the sudden and unpredictable occurrence of a life-threatening internal stressor. METHODS: Sixty-one patients who had experienced a first-ever stroke or transient ischaemic attack were assessed using standard self-report clinical measures for anxiety, depression and PTSD. Those patients who fulfilled criteria on at least one PTSD self-report measure were subsequently assessed using a structured clinical interview for PTSD. RESULTS: Six (9.8%) patients fulfilled criteria for PTSD. No significant differences were found between the post-stroke PTSD group and the non-PTSD group in terms of premorbid health and lifestyle, or experiences of adverse life events. Significant differences were noted with respect to self-reported post-stroke mental health and premorbid neuroticism. The post-stroke PTSD group also scored consistently higher on measures of anxiety, depression and psychiatric caseness. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate a number of close similarities between post-stroke PTSD and classical PTSD. We therefore conclude that PTSD or a PTSD-like syndrome can occur after stroke.