A new survey has revealed inadequate psychological support after stroke in Scotland. 

Stroke survivors with anxiety and depression risk being let down in hospital without psychological care, a new survey of over 100 stroke survivors in Scotland reveals. 

The research, conducted by the Stroke Association, is part of an urgent call for improved psychological care after stroke.

The results, contained in a Stroke Association report, “Keeping Stroke Recoveries in Mind”, lay bare the unmet needs of stroke survivors in Scotland.

Nearly nine out of ten (89%) respondents revealed their stroke had an impact on their physical health, whereas 95% said their stroke had an impact on their psychological and emotional well-being. 

Of those, over one in three (39%) said the emotional impacts were severe compared to 36% who said the physical effects were severe.

Paula McGuire, 41, from Glasgow (pictured above with Dr Terry Quinn), who had her stroke last year, knows first-hand the devastation of the emotional impact of stroke.

Whilst Paula suffered mild physical effects from her stroke, she found this more bearable than her anxiety. 

She said: “My feelings of anxiety accelerated to levels I had never experienced before. I can only describe it as overwhelming and I felt completely lost and alone trying to unpick what was going on, asking myself whether it was my fault.”

But some doctors wanted to treat Paula’s physical problems, without taking account of her anxiety. “All I needed them to ask me was: How was I feeling?

“I was a wreck. I had a stroke at 40. How could anyone cope with that? People should have the same amount and standard of care for their emotional health as is given to those with physical challenges after stroke. It needs to be embedded into the system.”

Most stroke survivors surveyed do not feel they got the psychological support they needed in hospital (73%) or in the community (68%.)

95% of stroke survivors report they want to see equal access to physical and psychological care within their rehabilitation.

John Watson, associate director for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. The impact can be devastating – wiping out speech or rendering people unable to walk. 

“The emotional consequences of stroke can be life shattering – an overnight change to our emotions, personality and sense of self. These findings are further evidence of the desperate need for the system to address the psychological consequences of stroke.

“Whilst guidance on psychological care and assessment and access to services has been included in the Progressive Stroke Pathway, we know that psychological care is lacking as highlighted in The Scottish Stroke Care Audit. With support from the Scottish Government, health boards have an opportunity to change that.”

The charity’s recommendations in its report, are based on proposals put forward by the Scottish Stroke Psychology Forum which seeks to give psychological care equal prioritisation to other forms of rehabilitation which focus on the physical effects of stroke.

John added:  “This is not just about recruiting more psychologists to treat people affected by stroke. Everyone working with stroke survivors at every level has a role to play in understanding and integrating psychological care into stroke services. 

“An adequate level of education and training must be given to staff to meet their responsibility, and give them the skills in providing that care. This is critical to help people with emotional challenges after a stroke to live well.”