Anxiety Symptoms in Spouses of Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms in stroke patients’ spouses and associated factors. Methods: Data were collected from 114 couples upon the patients’ admission for rehabilitation as well as 1 year later and analysed with linear regression analyses. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to assess anxiety symptoms. Results: The results showed a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms at both time points of 28.9 and 27.6%. An association was found between spouses’ anxiety symptoms at both time points and their gender as well as spouses’ anxiety symptoms (at time 2) and patients’ perceived disability. Conclusions: Post-stroke rehabilitation process should include a focus on treating anxiety symptoms in patients’ spouses in order to prevent the development of stress-related disorders in this group.

Psychopathology in postinfarction patients implanted with cardioverter-defibrillators for secondary prevention. A cross-sectional, case-controlled study

“…Similar findings have been reported in spouses of other medical populations, such as of cancer or stroke patients [41] and ICD recipients [9,20]. In one study, levels of anxiety were higher in partners of ICD patients than in the patients themselves [42]. Spouse anxiety and depression have also been correlated with worse outcomes for patients [43].…”

Burden and Perceived Health Status Among Caregivers of Stroke Patients

“…Nevertheless, this informal care may lead to physical and emotional strain in spouses [23,24,25,26]. Several studies have reported a decline in physical health and an increase in physical strain and fatigue since undertaking the care-giving role [4,6,7,8,9, 20].…”

“…There is also a high prevalence of stress and strain among caregivers of stroke patients and reduced social networks lead to increased isolation [7, 8]. In addition, interpersonal relationships within the family system, emotional and sexual relationship between partners may be affected [22,23,24]. …”

“…Anxiety and depression are very common in stroke caregivers and determine their burden [23, 30]. The first aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of mood disorders and burden in caregivers of stroke patients.…”

“…In addition, more than 26% of caregivers recognized that their role was emotionally exhausting, as measured by the ZCBI. Anxiety and depressive symptoms have been observed in at least one third of spouses of stroke patients in Europe [23] whereas depressive symptoms have been reported in half of caregivers in Japan [27]. …”