Jones, A;
Smakowski, A;
O'Connell, N;
Chalder, T;
David, AS;
(2020)
Functional stroke symptoms: A prospective observational case series.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
, 132
, Article 109972. 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109972.
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Abstract
Objective: Functional symptoms are a common mimic of stroke in acute stroke settings, but there are no guidelines on how to manage such patients and scant research on their clinical profile. We explore the presentation of patients with functional stroke symptoms at admission and 2-month follow-up. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study across four SE London acute stroke units, with two-month follow-up. Demographic information, clinical data and GP attendances were recorded. Patients completed self-report measures: Cognitive Behavioural Responses Questionnaire short version, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Work and Social Adjustment Scale and Short Form Health Survey. Results: Fifty-six patients (mean age: 50.9 years) were recruited at baseline; 40 with isolated functional symptoms, the remaining functional symptoms in addition to stroke. Thirty-one completed self-report follow-up measures. Of 56 participants, 63% were female. Patients presented symptoms across modalities, with unilateral and limb weakness the most frequent. There was inconsistent and ambiguous recording of symptoms on medical records. Approximately 40% of patients reported levels of anxiety and depression above the threshold indicating a probable diagnosis. Higher anxiety was associated with greater resting or all-or-nothing behaviours, embarrassment avoidance and symptom focussing on the CBRQ. Only SF-36 physical functioning improved at follow-up. Less than 50% who responded at follow-up were accessing a treatment, though 82% had ongoing symptoms. Conclusion: Patients with functional symptoms in stroke settings report substantial distress, associated with cognitive-behavioural responses to symptoms. Follow-up data suggest recovery can be slow, indicating access to supportive interventions should be improved.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Functional stroke symptoms: A prospective observational case series |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109972 |
| Publisher version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.109972 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Case series, Functional neurological symptoms, Observational, Prospective, Stroke |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Division of Psychiatry |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10099325 |
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