Incidence and predictors of post-traumatic stress symptoms in a cohort of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

Objectives: Examine the incidence and predictors of PTSD symptoms in a cohort of patients with ICH.

Patients and methods: This study uses a prospective cohort of 108 patients with complete follow-up data including a questionnaire regarding stress symptoms (PCL-S: PTSD checklist specific for a stressor) at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results: The incidence of novel stress symptoms following ICH was approximately 6.5%. Age was negatively associated with PTSD symptoms with only trend-level significance (3 months: OR = 0.83, p = 0.087; 6 months: OR = 0.70, p = 0.015; 12 months: OR = 0.88, p = 0.087). Gender did not affect PTSD symptom development, (t = 1.34, p = 0.18). Pre-morbid functioning, initial stroke prognosis, total number of complications, and length of hospital/ICU stay were not associated with PTSD symptoms; however, each was significantly correlated with poorer functional outcomes. Yet, poorer functional outcomes were observed in those with higher reports of PTSD symptoms (r = 0.24, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Functional outcomes in ICH are correlated with PTSD symptoms, however the mechanism and relationship are difficult to elucidate. Further research is needed to determine possible mechanisms by which a stroke patient may develop PTSD.

Keywords: Functional outcomes; Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH); Mental health outcomes; Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Stroke; Stroke severity.