Post-traumatic stress disorder after subarachnoid haemorrhage

Abstract

Objective: Draw attention to the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients.

Design: Case review of 28 patients referred to clinical neuropsychology via a neurosurgery out-patient clinic.

Method: Clinical interview of patients presenting with anxiety related to their medical condition.

Results: In 50 per cent of patients anxiety was found to be the main presenting problem and 32 per cent of referred patients met the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion: The case review identified significant psychological morbidity in patients with good physical recovery. This requires detailed scientific evaluation in future studies of outcome.