28 Feb Following Stroke, Children Face Behavioral and Emotional Difficulties
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Maxwell
Emily C. Maxwell, Ph.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychology Bugher Fellow
Division of Neurology
Instructor | Department of Pediatrics
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Aurora, CO 80045
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Previous research has found increased psychological problems and significantly higher rates of psychiatric disorders after pediatric stroke. However, past studies have mainly used global indices, without comparison to age-based norms. Thus, little is known about the discrete symptomatology exhibited by these children and how discrepant these symptoms may be from normative expectations.
At the University of Colorado Denver and Children’s Hospital Colorado, we studied 50 patients who suffered an arterial ischemic stroke during childhood. The parents of these patients completed the Child Behavior Checklist, a questionnaire assessing emotional and behavioral problems. We found that children with stroke had higher symptoms of depression, anxiety, physical complaints, and behavioral difficulties compared to a normative sample of same-aged peers. Additionally, levels of anxiety were higher in children who had a stroke at an early age (before 6 years of age) compared to children who had a stroke at a later age (after 10 years of age).
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Following an arterial ischemic stroke, children have higher symptoms of emotional and behavioral difficulties compared to their peers. Children with stroke at an early age tend to have higher rates of anxiety. Providers should carefully screen childhood stroke patients for mood and behavior problems. Psychological therapy is recommended for patients exhibiting theses difficulties.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Future research should investigate the effects of family dynamics on long-term psychological outcomes. Additionally, future studies should examine lesion laterality and volume in relation to psychological outcomes.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: This research was funded by the American Heart Association and Bugher Foundation.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation: Abstract presented at the 2017 International Stroke Conference Frebruary 2017
Psychological Outcomes after Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke
Emily Maxwell, PhD, Aurora, CO
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on February 28, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD