Stroke survivors do better if they have spiritual or religious beliefs, according to a study

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

People with strong spiritual beliefs appear to suffer from less emotional distress after surviving a stroke.
Surviving a stroke may leave people with anxiety and depression. Researchers in Italy now report upon a study that shows how spiritual and religious beliefs may protect a person from this kind of emotional and psychological distress after a stroke.

They interviewed 132 consecutive stroke survivors and assessed their level on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. This showed that between three and seven days after being admitted to hospital for a stroke, 26 per cent had high anxiety levels, 14 per cent had high depression levels and eight per cent had high levels of both. Six months later, 16 per cent had high anxiety and 12 per cent had high depression levels.

Those who scored highest on anxiety and depression scored lower on measures of spiritual and religious belief. These people were also less independent in their everyday functioning. The findings suggest that spiritual or religious beliefs really do help people cope after a stroke. Therefore, addressing this aspect might be an important part of rehabilitation. Further research is needed to see how spirituality and religiosity impact upon long-term recovery from stroke.

Source
Stroke March 2007