The Validation of the SAAMS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Validation of the Stroke Aphasia Anxiety and Mood Screen (SAAMS)
IRAS ID
361712
Contact name
Emily Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 29 days
Research summary
It is estimated that 101 million people are currently living with the effects of stroke worldwide. The evidence base indicates that stroke survivors adjusting through the acute and chronic phases of stroke are more likely to struggle with additional mental health needs, with up to three-quarters of stroke survivors presenting with clinical anxiety and depression symptoms.
The Stroke Aphasia Anxiety and Mood Screen (SAAMS) was developed to address the limitations of existing observational mood screening tools since there are no validated aphasia-inclusive self-report questionnaires for clinical anxiety or depression with stroke survivors. Preliminary findings demonstrate that the SAAMS is an accessible measure to support screening for depression and anxiety symptoms in stroke survivors. However, the creators noted limitations in the measure's design, given that the SAAMS was derived from clinical practice, rather than a research trial. Therefore, there was no sampling approach, no control within the sample population or control of how the SAAMS was administered, and no use of comparison against “gold standard” measures to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the SAAMS. These limitations are what this research aims to address.
This will be achieved by a diagnostic accuracy study, comparing the Stroke Aphasia Anxiety and Mood Screen to Modules D and F of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV). If successful, it could provide healthcare professionals with a reliable and inclusive self-report mood screening tool, ensuring that stroke survivors with communication difficulties receive timely psychological support.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SW/0024
Date of REC Opinion
1 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion