Coping strategies in patients following subarachnoid haemorrhage

To assess psychological coping strategies and their relationship with outcome in patients after primary subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

In 51 unselected patients (24 males, 27 females; mean age 46 years) in an average 15.7+/-12.0 months after SAH usage of coping strategies were assessed by means of Estonian COPE-D test with 15 four-items scales and compared to those obtained from 51 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy persons. The data were analysed according to age, sex and education of the patients, initial severity of disease, localization of aneurysm and outcome characteristics.

Patients after SAH reported using social support strategy less than control persons (P<0.05) with a tendency of using acceptance-oriented strategy. Task-oriented coping styles were less used (P<0.05) by patients with severe initial state, who had more marked late disability and dependence in daily living. Healthy women used social support more than men; patients and control persons 50 years or older used task-oriented strategies less than younger persons (P<0.05).

The structure of coping strategies used by patients after SAH differs compared to healthy persons. The differences in using coping strategies are related to age of the patients, functional state and degree of adaptation after SAH.