Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Summary

This study introduces a novel polar histogram visualization method for analyzing Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) scores, focusing on elderly ICU caregivers. The technique displayed all 19 ASDS variables simultaneously, revealing distinct stress patterns between healthy controls and caregivers while demonstrating significant improvements post-intervention in hyperarousal and avoidance symptoms.

Abstract

The Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) is crucial for assessing acute stress disorder (ASD), especially in high-stress environments like Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Traditional methods struggle to interpret all 19 ASDS variables simultaneously. This study introduces a novel polar histogram visualization approach to enhance ASDS score analysis, focusing on elderly ICU caregivers. A polar histogram visualization for ASDS scores was developed using MATLAB. Data from healthy elderly controls (n=106) and elderly ICU caregivers (EC-ICU; n=309) were used to compare ASDS profiles. A subgroup of EC-ICU participants (n=109) received interventions on social support and positive coping strategies. Intervention effectiveness and stress dysregulation patterns were analyzed using this new technique and traditional statistical methods. The polar histogram effectively displayed all 19 ASDS variables simultaneously, revealing distinct patterns between healthy controls (mean ASDS score: 29.36) and EC-ICU participants (mean ASDS score: 62.61). This technique highlighted significant differences in stress profiles not apparent in conventional bar charts. Post-intervention, the EC-ICU subgroup showed a 5%-8% reduction across ten ASDS indicators related to avoidance, hyperarousal, and emotional distress. The most significant improvements were physical reactions to trauma reminders, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbances. This polar histogram approach offers comprehensive, intuitive visualization of ASDS scores, enhancing clinical interpretation and ASD assessment. Integrating multi-dimensional psychological indicators into a single visual framework enables a more precise analysis of stress states and intervention efficacy. The technique shows particular utility in identifying stress patterns in elderly ICU caregivers and evaluating targeted interventions. This innovative method has significant implications for developing personalized support strategies, improving ASD assessment, and advancing stress disorder research across clinical settings.

Introduction

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)¹ is a significant mental health concern that can occur in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. It is characterized by a cluster of symptoms, including intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal^1,2,3. The accurate assessment and timely intervention of ASD are crucial, particularly in high-stress environments such as Intensive Care Units (ICUs), where both patients and caregivers are at elevated risk for developing stress-related disorders ^4,5

Protocol

This study introduces a novel polar histogram visualization technique for analyzing Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) scores, focusing on elderly caregivers aged 60-80 years in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The research was conducted at the Intensive Care Medicine Department of Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, in Beijing, China. Participant recruitment and data collection were conducted over a three-year period from January 2021 to December 2023. The study setup involved recruiting elderly ICU.......

Discussion

This study introduces a novel polar histogram visualization technique for analyzing Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) scores, with particular emphasis on its application in assessing elderly caregivers in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The method provides a comprehensive and intuitive visual representation of all 19 ASDS variables simultaneously, offering significant advantages over traditional statistical approaches^1,6,17.

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Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
EXCEL	Microsoft	Office2021	ASDS Data Collection
MATLAB	MathWorks	2023B	Computing and visualization