Stressful Situations the First Six Months after a Stroke

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to categorize and analyze the most stressful situations perceived by stroke patients during a period of 6 months after experiencing a stroke. The events that have an impact on the subjective well-being and the intensity of the stress are also investigated. A clinic-based sample of 82 hospitalized stroke patients were studied 4 times after the stroke incident. They were asked to describe and appraise the most stressful event or situation that had affected them during the last 3 days. The data analysis was conducted according to phenomenological and hermeneutical methods. The study was approved by the Regional Committee for Ethics in Medical Research. The reported difficulties after a stroke have been separated into 5 categories: 1) impairments and disabilities in bodily functions; 2) communication and memory problems; 3) negative thoughts, depression and loneliness; 4) anxiety, fear, and worries; and 5) anger. Stressful situations in the first category were the most frequently reported, while those in the fourth category increased during the first 2 weeks after discharge, but decreased again within 3 months after the stroke. Encounters in the second category were less reported over time while those in the third category tended to become a more stable emotional state. Some interviewees expressed anger (category five). Few described relief or no difficulties at all. In total, the intensity of the stressful events decreased strongly. The increased occurrence of anxiety, fear, and worries during the first weeks after discharge from hospital gives rise to concern. These strains coincide with the withdrawal of health services.