Depression and anxiety as predictors of quality of life after a stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Evaluating quality of life in stroke patients is an essential part of treatment. Quality of life can be predicted not only by the physical disability after a stroke, but also by the patient’s psychosocial state. The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between depression, anxiety, and quality of life in the acute phase after strokes. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive type of study was carried out. The research sample consisted of 79 patients after a stroke (Mage = 67.9 ± 12.3). Depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and quality of life using the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used for data analysis. Results: Depression and anxiety predicted overall quality of life in patients after a stroke. The physical aspect of quality of life and overall quality of life were strongly predicted by depression, while the psychosocial aspect of quality of life was strongly related to anxiety in stroke patients. Higher depression and anxiety are manifested in a worsened quality of life, and it is similar in the physical and psychosocial aspects. Approximately 20% of patients had severe depression and anxiety. Conclusions: A patient’s quality of life after a stroke is affected not only by their functional condition, but also by psychosocial distress. Early diagnostics of psychosocial distress should be an important part of the care and treatment of stroke patients.