Attitude and outlook are linked to the occurrence of stroke and recovery time, recent research indicates. Two different studies from separate institutions recently confirm real consequences of attitude on health. Both studies suggest the power of positive thinking tends to yield medical benefits.

In the United States, stroke is the third highest cause of death and is a leading cause of long-term disability among elderly.

In a University of Maryland study of 35 stroke survivors, patients who were upbeat and easygoing before they suffered a stroke were more likely to dedicate themselves to rigorous rehabilitation. As a result, they recovered faster, bringing back speech and motor skills lost during the so-called “brain attack.”

The study authors advise doctors assess patient personalities during the first few days after a stroke to determine the best course of treatment, as well as potential problems. Simple personality tests can be used to determine previous approaches to coping, problem-solving, and emotional styles and sensitivities.

Stroke can bring a change in personality for various reasons.

For those feeling depressed, treatment to restore a more balanced outlook can help with recovery time, reports Dr. Earl Goldstein, MD of Palomar Pomerado Health System in San Diego, California.

“There are statistics that show that approximately 40 percent of stroke victims have depression, and if you treat the depression along with the stroke, they have a much better chance of making a significant recovery,” says Goldstein.

The neurologist and psychiatrist notes from the Maryland study that doctors can consult with family members of stroke victims to form a profile of pre-stroke personality.

Goldstein thinks patient support groups are also useful. “They can communicate with patients about how they got better–we find that that really helps them,” he says.

Highly self-conscious or “deep thinkers” were most vulnerable to depression following a stroke, investigators found.

The evolving challenge for health care providers, the researchers say, is not just sending a stroke victim home as soon as possible, but to work with patient and family, taking into account patient personality, to maximize recovery in the months following stroke.

Severity and type of stroke add to factors determining recovery, reports Goldstein.

Counseling and medical programs must be developed to fit different personalities, say the study authors.

Charlie Nichols is an example of how an outlook that looks toward the silver lining of life can lead to faster healing and a better quality of life.

Nichols has suffered three strokes–the first one at age 46–but continues to find the courage to battle back, day by day, towards recovery. He takes a rigorous approach to rehabilitation.

“It would have been real easy to have given up this third time, because I, in my opinion, I had “whupped it” twice, and now you’ve got to start fighting all over again,” he says.

Even with a bright outlook, Nichols, a self-described problem solver, felt challenged: “You’re scared, scared to death: What’s going to come out of this? Am I going to get over this? Is this for the rest of my life?”

The San Diego resident helps keep his spirits bright by singing his favorite tunes on karaoke equipment at home. Singing also helped him regain lost speech.

Working with a nutritionist, he overhauled his diet.

“You have to accept you have a problem to start off with and deal with that first,” he says. “Then you have to set yourself a plan on how you’re going to beat it.”

A study of the University of Texas finds that people with a positive attitude are 25 percent less likely to ever suffer a stroke in the first place. Those who often feel blue are more susceptible to stroke. The study authors cautioned that various mechanisms could account for the link between “positive affect” and stroke incidence.

“When you have a positive attitude you might take better care of yourself, and you might reduce the risk of other stroke factors,” says Dr. Goldstein.

Nichols, who had to gain back the use of his legs after stroke and suffered memory problems, continues to be plagued with vision problems.

But he remains hopeful.

Part of Nichols’ recovery includes teaching other stroke victims about recovery strategies, including how karaoke has helped him regain speech.

He admits that with his high cholesterol, less-than-healthy eating habits, and stress combined to make him susceptible to stroke.

“It just wasn’t acceptable, I had to whip it,” he says. “Just keep working it and keep doing it and doing it.”