Assessment of select dimensions of patients' emotional functioning at different time periods after stroke

A person's self-evaluation influences purposeful activity undertaken in the situation of illness. It is observed in neurological patients that limited self-awareness disturbs rehabilitation. The goal of the study was to investigate select dimensions of emotional state, the relationship between anxiety and emotional state, and the level of insight into emotional state in patients at different time periods after cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs). Sixty-five patients with short (n = 36) or long (n = 29) time periods following a stroke participated in this study. The patients' relatives (n = 65) evaluated their emotional functioning. The modified Neuropsychology Behavior and Affect Profile (NBAP; Nelson, Satz, & D'Elia, 1994 ) and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered. Compared groups differed significantly in self-reporting and in relatives' reports on the NBAP scales. Patients with short and long time periods after stroke did not differ in terms of mania, indifference, depression, or inappropriateness. Significant positive moderate correlations between anxiety and depression were found in both groups. In the group with a long time period after CVA, ratings of depression, mania, indifference, and inappropriateness among patients with right-hemisphere damage were significantly correlated with their relatives' ratings. Biological and psychological factors determining emotional state and adequacy of patients' self-evaluations have also been discussed.