Journal Article
High prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a 6-month follow-up screening study
Isabela Costola Windlin; Bruno Braga Sisnando da Costa; Pedro Henrique Mouty Rabello; Ilan David Friedmann; Yan Luca de Abreu Alves Jacinto; Davi Jorge Fontoura Solla; Carlos Gilberto Carlotti Jr.; Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo
Acta Neurologica Belgica · 2026
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly recognized as a sequela of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); however, its prevalence and clinical correlates remain understudied. This study assessed the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and associated psychological symptoms among survivors of SAH. Methods A 6-month prospective analysis of 45 SAH survivors from the GASH trial (NCT03569540) was conducted. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS), with concurrent assessment of anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale). Results At six months post-SAH, 55,56% ( n = 25) of patients met the SPTSS criteria for significant PTSD symptoms. Avoidance (mean score: 23,36 ± 11,75) and hyperarousal (19,52 ± 10,22) were the most prominent symptoms. PTSD was strongly associated with concurrent anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 7; p p Conclusion Nearly half of SAH survivors screened positive for PTSD-related symptoms within six months, with avoidance behaviors predominating. The high comorbidity of anxiety and depression underscores the necessity for integrated neuropsychiatric care in SAH follow-up protocols.