Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

The Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) is crucial for assessing acute stress disorder (ASD), especially in high-stress environments like Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Traditional methods struggle to interpret all 19 ASDS variables simultaneously. This study introduces a novel polar histogram visualization approach to enhance ASDS score analysis, focusing on elderly ICU caregivers. A polar histogram visualization for ASDS scores was developed using MATLAB. Data from healthy elderly controls (n=106) and elderly ICU caregivers (EC-ICU; n=309) were used to compare ASDS profiles. A subgroup of EC-ICU participants (n=109) received interventions on social support and positive coping strategies. Intervention effectiveness and stress dysregulation patterns were analyzed using this new technique and traditional statistical methods. The polar histogram effectively displayed all 19 ASDS variables simultaneously, revealing distinct patterns between healthy controls (mean ASDS score: 29.36) and EC-ICU participants (mean ASDS score: 62.61). This technique highlighted significant differences in stress profiles not apparent in conventional bar charts. Post-intervention, the EC-ICU subgroup showed a 5%-8% reduction across ten ASDS indicators related to avoidance, hyperarousal, and emotional distress. The most significant improvements were physical reactions to trauma reminders, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances. This polar histogram approach offers comprehensive, intuitive visualization of ASDS scores, enhancing clinical interpretation and ASD assessment. Integrating multi-dimensional psychological indicators into a single visual framework enables a more precise analysis of stress states and intervention efficacy. The technique shows particular utility in identifying stress patterns in elderly ICU caregivers and evaluating targeted interventions. This innovative method has significant implications for developing personalized support strategies, improving ASD assessment, and advancing stress disorder research across clinical settings.