Neuroticism and Fatigue 3 Months After Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relation between neuroticism and fatigue in Chinese patients with stroke.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Acute stroke unit.

Participants: Survivors of ischemic stroke (N=191) recruited from the acute stroke unit between May 1, 2010, and September 1, 2011.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: The personality trait of neuroticism was measured with the neuroticism subscale of the Chinese version of the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. The level of fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Assessment Scale. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Barthel Index, and Mini-Mental State Examination were administered to obtain demographic and clinical information.

Results: Fatigue severity 3 months after stroke positively correlated with Geriatric Depression Scale and NEO Five-Factor Inventory neuroticism scores and negatively correlated with the Barthel Index score.

Conclusions: Neuroticism, independent of depressive symptoms, is a predictor of fatigue severity 3 months after stroke. Interventions such as psychological screening programs are warranted for early detection of patients at high risk of poststroke depression.

Keywords: Fatigue; Neuroticism; Personality; Rehabilitation; Stroke.