Ecological momentary assessment of depression, anxiety and coping using smartphones after mild stroke

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study is to assess daily life depression and anxiety symptoms, and coping strategies with the Ecological Momentary Assessment method over a 4-month period in early discharged mild stroke patients. Methods: Fifty early discharged (<2 weeks after admission) patients with a first ever mild stroke (NIHSS<6) presenting no functional impairment (Rankin score<3) are planned to complete standard depression (MADRS, BDI-II, HADS) and anxiety (HARS, HADS) measures at hospital discharge (T1), at 2 months (T2) and at 4 months after stroke (T3). At home, patients use smartphones configured with the Ad Scientiam Research® program. Five brief electronic interviews per day are completed during seven days at T1, T2 and T3. DSM-IV-TR depression symptoms (happiness, sadness, anhedonia, fatigue, attention trouble and pessimism), and anxiety symptoms (worry, agitation, physical tension, and irritability) as well as coping strategies with daily stressors are assessed during these interviews. Statistical analysis is performed using Hierarchical Linear and Nonlinear Modeling. Means-as-outcomes and intercept-and-slopes models are used. Expected results: Results will describe the associations of daily depression and anxiety symptoms, and daily coping at T1, T2 and T3 with depression and anxiety scores at T1, T2 and T3. Thus, predictors of later depression and anxiety will be identified from the early stages of stroke. Current stage of the work: Patients’ recruitment in progress. Discussion: Findings about the evolution of depression and anxiety symptoms following a stroke and their relations with coping in daily life could lead to improve diagnosis and treatment for at-risk patients.