Coping strategies in patients following subarachnoid haemorrhage

Objectives-To assess psychological coping strategies and their relationship with outcome in patients after primary subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Pat ients and methods-In 51 unselected patients (24 males, 27 females; mean age 46 years) in an average 15.7 +/- 12.0 months after SAH usage of coping str ategies were assessed by means of Estonian COPE-D test with 15 four-items s cales and compared to those obtained from 51 age-, sex- and education-match ed healthy persons. The data were analysed according to age, sex and educat ion of the patients, initial severity of disease, localization of aneurysm and outcome characteristics. Results-Patients after SAH reported using soci al support strategy less than control persons (P<0.05) with a tendency of u sing acceptance-oriented strategy. Task-oriented coping styles were less us ed (P<0.05) by patients with severe initial state, who had more marked late disability and dependence in daily living. Healthy women used social suppo rt more than men; patients and control persons 50 years or older used task- oriented strategies less than younger persons (P<0.05). Conclusion -The str ucture of coping strategies used by patients after SAH differs compared to healthy persons. The differences in using coping strategies are related to age of the patients, functional state and degree of adaptation after SAH.