Depressive Symptoms and Anger Expression Among Survivors After Stroke.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a frequent cause of death and one of the most common causes of disability and depression in the countries of the Western world. Depression is associated with limited functionality, reduced self-care, and increased mortality in patients with stroke. Anger often occurs in these patients and may disrupt the course of their recovery. AIM: The investigation of the presence of depressive symptomatology, the expression of anger, and the degree of functioning/independence of patients after stroke. METHOD: One hundred and ten patients after stroke completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and the Barthel Index. RESULTS: Patients who lived alone had a higher depressive symptomatology score than patients who did not live alone (p = 0.009). An increase in the total depressive symptomatology score was related to an increase in the anger expression score (p = 0.011), increase in anger-in score (p < 0.001), increase in anger-out score (p < 0.001), and decrease in anger control score (p = 0.001). Females had lower anger-in scores compared to men (p = 0.029). Individuals with a history of previous stroke had higher anger-out scores compared to people without a history of previous stroke (p = 0.025). An increase in the patient's functional/independence score was associated with an increase in anger control score (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Early detection and management of depression and anger will facilitate patient's compliance to the rehabilitation program in order to achieve optimal therapeutic results and ensure a better quality of life.