# Improving Quality of Life for Veterans with Stroke and Psychological Distress

> **NIH VA I21** · MICHAEL E DEBAKEY VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · —

## Abstract

Stroke self-management treatment can improve disability, confidence in recovery, and quality of
life. However, Veterans with comorbid stroke and psychological distress (anxiety and depression)
have suboptimal mobility, little engagement in meaningful social interactions and poor quality of
life. Effective management of psychological distress in patients with stroke is associated with
positive physical functioning, social role functioning and quality of life. Current self-management
treatments for Veterans with stroke inadequately address comorbid psychological distress.
We propose to develop, refine, and pilot the Improving outcomes with comprehensive stroke self-
management (I’m Whole) treatment. First, we will combine the Self-management TO Prevent
Stroke using Video teleconferencing (VSTOP-II) and Enhancing Psychological Distress Coping
(EPiC) cognitive-behavioral treatment to develop a single, group-based, behavioral stroke self-
management treatment that addresses stroke risk reduction and psychological distress.
Secondly, we will pilot test and refine the treatment. Lastly, we will test the feasibility and
preliminary effectiveness of I’m Whole. We believe this proposal will provide a promising
integrated treatment approach that will aid Veterans with comorbid psychological distress in living
a functioning and fulfilling lifestyle.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9837346
- **Project number:** 5I21RX002898-02
- **Recipient organization:** MICHAEL E DEBAKEY VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Gina L. Evans
- **Activity code:** I21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-12-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9837346

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9837346, Improving Quality of Life for Veterans with Stroke and Psychological Distress (5I21RX002898-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9837346. Licensed CC0.

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