Traumatic Brain Injuries - Ann Arbor Rehabilitation Centers, Inc

New To Our Site

The
Gathering Place

Support Groups

Massage Therapy

Spouses of Stroke Victims Prone to Distress

BACK

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)

Spouses of stroke victims suffer from psychological stress in the days immediately following the stroke, impairing their ability to help cheer their ailing mate to recovery, a team of Swedish researchers reports.

``It is very important for health professionals to pay attention to the spouse's psychological health, as well as the patient's,'' lead author Gunilla Forsberg-Warleby, of Sahlgrenska University Hospital, in Goteborg, said in a written statement.

The study examined the psychological well-being of 83 spouses of stroke patients in the 10 days following a stroke. The stroke victims were all younger than 75.

Previous research has found that up to half of caregivers experience emotional disturbances such as depression years after the stroke, but few researchers have looked at the mental state of the caregivers immediately after the stroke.

In this study, spouses were interviewed about their views of the future and their psychological well-being. The researchers found that the spouses of stroke victims suffered higher-than-normal levels of anxiety, depression and loss of well-being and self-control.

The findings appear in the July issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association (news - web sites).

The most important factor in a spouse's development of psychological problems was their coping ability and their evaluation of the future consequences, rather than the severity of their partner's stroke.

``It's easy to assume that the spouse's psychological well-being may affect the ability to give emotional and practical support,'' Forsberg-Warleby noted in the statement. ''Being given more detailed information...about...how to deal with problems...can help spouses overcome their negative psychological reactions.''

Web Site Links Disclaimer: At certain places in this site, links to other web sites can be accessed. Links to other Internet sites are provided as a convenience only. These sites contain information created, published, and maintained by organizations independent of AARC,Inc..
We do not endorse, approve, certify or control these web sites or the opinions, information, products or services contained therein, and do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy or timeliness of information located therein, or at any link contained in a linked site. Internet locations change frequently, so many of the links provided on this web site may no longer access the external web sites listed herein.
No Medical Advice: The information posted here is not intended to be and should not be considered medical advice, as it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient and his or her existing healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your physician, other qualified health provider or any information included by the manufacturer with or on any product. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on or through the AARC web site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT A PHYSICIAN OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OF YOUR OWN CHOICE AND CAREFULLY READ ALL PACKAGING AND OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF ANY MEDICAL PRODUCTS OR DEVICES BEFORE USING THEM.