The Article in Brief
Jennifer H. White , and colleagues
Background Most stroke survivors receive ongoing care in the community after discharge from a secondary or tertiary health care setting. This study explores common disease paths or patterns of psychological distress and recovery in the 12 months after a stroke.
What This Study Found Based on interviews with 23 recent stroke victims, researchers identify 4 distinct trajectories--resilience, ongoing mood disturbance, emergent mood disturbance, and recovery from mood disturbance. Recovery from mood disturbance is facilitated by gains in independence and self-esteem and by having an internal health locus of control.
Implications
- Identifying distinct trajectories of psychological morbidity may help primary care physicians develop appropriately timed methods for promoting better mental health among stroke patients.