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1 in 4 stroke survivors affected by PTSD

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

A stroke can impact a person's overall health in major ways, affecting the way he or she is able to engage in everyday tasks. According to a recent study published online in the journal PLoS ONE, one in four people who survive a stroke experience the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, which highlights how significant the event can be for individuals.

PTSD is most commonly associated with people who have experienced life-altering episodes and combat veterans or those who have been assaulted are among the most likely to be affected. However, this study reveals that a major medical incident like a stroke can have emotional bearing on the mental wellness of people for years to come.

Additionally, those who struggle with PTSD could be more susceptible to developing subsequent cardiovascular issues as a result of the psychological problems PTSD can create.

"PTSD is a huge detriment to quality of life, a debilitating disorder in its own right, and deserves to be treated," Donald Edmondson, Ph.D., an assistant professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. "You can't develop PTSD without a life-threatening event. Having PTSD can't cause a stroke a month ago, so this research is some of the strongest causal evidence we have."

Nine previous studies were examined by researchers to determine the results, each of which focused on the occurrence of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Collectively, more than 1,100 individuals were included in these reports.

According to the researchers, close to 300,000 stroke survivors will be affected by PTSD symptoms because of the incident, while 11 percent will develop chronic or recurring signs of the condition.

Individuals who are concerned about their overarching health should consider the benefits of being proactive with a lab test online. A lab test conducted in this way can help people get a better glimpse of their wellness and take health in their own hands, which can be important.