Natural history, predictors and associated outcomes of anxiety up to 10 years after stroke: the South London Stroke Register

Methods: data from the South London Stroke Register (1995-2010). Patients were assessed at the time of the stroke, at 3 months, 1 year and then annually for up to 10 years. Baseline data included socio-demographics and stroke severity. Follow-up data included assessments for anxiety and depression (hospital anxiety and depression scale), disability, cognition and QoL. Multivariate regression was used to investigate predictors and associated outcomes of anxiety. Results: incidence of anxiety up to 10 years ranged from 17 to 24%. Cumulative incidence: 57%. Prevalence range: 32-38%. Amongst patients with anxiety, 58% were anxious at 3 months. 57-73% of patients with anxiety had co-morbid depression. Predictors of anxiety included age under 65, female gender, inability to work, depression treatment, smoking and stroke severity. Anxiety at 3 months was associated with lower QoL at follow-up. Conclusions: anxiety is a frequent problem affecting stroke survivors in the long term. Clinicians should pay attention to patients at risk of anxiety since it is associated with lower QoL and depression.