Emotional Problems of Relatives of Dysphasic Patients

Abstract

Each year hundreds of people in Adelaide suffer a stroke and, of these, a good many are admitted to the Rehabilitation Unit at Daws Road Repatriation Hospital with dysphasic symptoms. Over 18 months ago, as part of the Unit's concern for the family of the patient, a “Relatives Group” was commenced and has been held every two weeks since. Through experience in the group, it became clear that the relatives developed their own emotional problems which, in most cases, required “treatment” by the local doctor or the group itself. The psychologist, who attended every group, became involved in treating the relatives and referrals were made to Psychiatrists from time to time. The sorts of emotional problems encountered are thought to be the direct result of chronic stress on personalities, some of whom are vulnerable, who are undergoing a massive lifestyle change, in coping with the dysphasic stroke patient. In this paper is presented an outline of the group, its workings, and the results of our first questionnaire on the effectiveness of the group. Further, there is an attempt to show the differing reactions of the dysphasic patient's relatives and how the Selye general adaptation syndrome is an appropriate model in describing the reactions of the relative of the dysphasic patient.