Adaptation to stroke: a longitudinal study of depressive symptoms, physical health, and coping process.

The purposes of this study were to describe the natural history of adaptation to stroke and to identify survivor and caregiver predictors of depressive symptoms. Data were collected for 53 stroke survivors at four times from acute rehabilitation (T1) to 2 years post discharge (T4). Significant improvement occurred in depressive symptoms and perception of health, but change in the rate of depression was not significant. Family functioning became less healthy. Significant predictors of greater levels of depressive symptoms were lower levels of total support, finding meaning, and avoidance coping (T1) and lower levels of family functioning and belonging support (T4). Treatments to promote adaptation can be developed based on these predictors.