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Generalized anxiety disorders three to four months after ischemic stroke
Antero Leppävuori1, Tarja Pohjasvaara, Risto Vataja
1Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 17, 2003
Summary
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects 20.6% of stroke survivors. Determinants include epilepsy history, depression, and stroke severity, impacting rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common post-stroke complication.
- Understanding its frequency and clinical determinants is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of GAD in a large stroke cohort.
- To identify clinical factors associated with GAD post-stroke.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 277 ischemic stroke patients (aged 55-85) underwent psychiatric evaluation 3-4 months post-stroke.
- Diagnosis of GAD followed DSM-IV criteria.
Main Results:
- The frequency of GAD was 20.6% (57 patients).
- GAD was associated with epilepsy history, comorbid depression, depression severity, anxiety severity, and anxiolytic use.
- Factors differentiating primary GAD from GAD due to stroke included psychosocial functioning, migraine history, anterior circulation stroke, and insomnia history.
Conclusions:
- Clinically significant anxiety is prevalent in ischemic stroke patients.
- Anxiety can impede stroke rehabilitation outcomes.