Emotional behavior disorders in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Background. Neuropsychiatric disorders are common after stroke. They decrease patients’ quality of life and have negative impact on the disease outcomes.The objective: to analyze the reliability of the Russian Version of Emotional Behavior Index and assess the frequency and characteristics of the disorders detected by this scale in patients in acute phase of ischemic stroke.Material and methods. Fifty-nine patients were recruited. The reliability of the tool was assessed. Along with the disorders of emotional behavior stroke severity, degree of disability, presence of delirium, symptoms of depression and cognitive functions were assessed.Results. Changes in at least one category of the “Emotional Behavior Index” were observed in 40% of patients. Emotional behavior problems were associated with the severity of cognitive decline and depressive symptoms in acute stage of stroke.Conclusion. “Emotional Behavior Index” is a reliable instrument for the assessment of the state of mood of the patients with acute stroke. The results of this scale could be used as predictors of the development of cognitive and aff ective disorders.