Background: A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), often referred to as a ‘mini-stroke’, exhibits physical symptoms akin to those experienced during a stroke. However, a key difference is that the physical symptoms of a TIA are said to resolve within a 24-hour period, whereas a stroke can leave individuals with long-term effects. Despite the symptoms of a TIA being transient in nature, the symptoms are frightening, and can leave individuals at a higher risk of experiencing another stroke. Due to the sudden symptoms, a TIA could result in symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and mood problems including anxiety and depression. Limited research has indicated that psychological difficulties may be prevalent post-TIA, however there are currently no routine psychological provisions within aftercare. The evidence base is sparse, with many studies combining diagnoses together, which has made drawing conclusions challenging. The literature alongside models of stress and coping have indicated that factors including coping and posttraumatic cognitions may be important in the development and maintenance of psychological difficulties post-TIA. However, this has not to our knowledge been explored within a UK context. Aims: The study explored whether PTSD and mood problems were present three-months post-first TIA, and what factors may relate and predict their development. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative design was used, which included participants from social media and NHS TIA clinics completing a survey (online or via post). Standardised questionnaires were used to measure PTSD, anxiety, depression, coping and posttraumatic cognitions. The data were analysed using correlational analyses, between-groups comparisons, and hierarchical multiple linear regressions. Results: Fifty-five participants took part, consisting of 23 from social media, and 32 from NHS TIA clinics. Overall, 43.6% of participants met the clinical cut-off indicative of PTSD, 36.4% for anxiety, and 40% for depression. Factors which significantly related to psychological outcomes included age, fear of a future stroke, avoidant coping, approach coping and posttraumatic cognitions. Regression analyses concluded that greater incidences of avoidant coping was a significant predictor of all psychological outcomes, with the addition of posttraumatic cognitions for anxiety. Discussion and Impact on Clinical Psychology: Study findings indicate that a large proportion of individuals may suffer with residual psychological difficulties post-TIA, which is going unrecognised. It appears that younger individuals were more at risk, alongside those who employed more avoidant coping strategies, and had a greater degree of posttraumatic cognitions. Outcomes align with psychological models of PTSD, stress, and coping, and could be suitable targets of interventions. The study offers valuable insights into the methodology of conducting research with people who have experienced a TIA, including recruitment methods. Findings aim to inform clinical aftercare pathways within TIA clinics. For example, the potential to integrate training for clinicians on the potential psychological difficulties, targets for intervention, and the possibility of developing a mood screening pathway to help patient recovery and rehabilitation in a psychologically informed manner.
Chloe Webb (Thu,) studied this question.