Carer strain in post-stroke emotionalism: a cross-sectional analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Post-stroke emotionalism (PSE) is a prevalent yet under-researched neurological symptom following stroke.
• PSE is characterized by frequent, uncontrollable crying episodes, impacting patients and their caregivers.
• Existing research lacks data on the specific burden of carer strain associated with PSE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify carer strain in individuals with diagnosed PSE compared to stroke patients without PSE.
• To examine how carer strain correlates with patient characteristics (age, sex, deprivation, stroke type, functional and mood status).
• To determine the independent impact of PSE on carer strain, controlling for other factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study was conducted across nine secondary care stroke units in Scotland.
• 102 informants (carers) of individuals with stroke participated.
• The Modified Carer Strain Index was administered at 6 months post-stroke; PSE diagnosis was based on established criteria.

Main Results:

• Carer strain showed minimal association with patient sex, age, social deprivation, or stroke type.
• Significant associations were found between carer strain and increased functional dependence post-stroke (p=0.026).
• The presence of PSE was strongly associated with increased carer strain (p=0.019).

Conclusions:

• Caring for individuals with PSE significantly increases carer strain, independent of functional dependence.
• The impact of PSE on carer strain is comparable to a six-point reduction on the Barthel Index.
• This highlights the need for targeted support for carers of stroke survivors experiencing PSE.