‘I want to be with you, but I have MS’: Challenges of interpersonal relationships from the MS patients’ point of view

Sharifi, Maryam; Doost, Hamid Taher Neshat; Shayegannejad, Vahid

doi:10.1111/hsc.12936

Cited by 3 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…This method of proactive disclosure has also been reported as a way of "weeding out those who aren't mentally or emotionally equipped to date someone with a disability" [29, p 8]. Also, in the current study, people expressed that having MS did not mean that they had to now change their standards or settle for less, which is in contrast to a similar Iranian study [10].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 61%

“…The importance of healthy communication was emphasized to facilitate understanding of the condition and develop strategies to overcome such obstacles. The impact of physical symptoms on relationships is commonly reported [10] and in the current study the understanding between the couple was emphasized as a strategy to facilitate coping with the day-to-day uncertainties. This is especially important considering previous research indicating that people with MS have been found to bring considerable psychological burden into their relationships [36].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…A recent Iranian study illustrated that an MS diagnosis can create a fear of separation or rejection from long-term romantic partners [10]. Individuals also described the impact of physical and psychological changes on their relationships such as reduced intimacy with their partners or behavioral changes, for example increased irritability toward their partner.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…MS usually manifests during early adulthood, between the ages of 20-40 years. This is a critical period for the development and maintenance of romantic relationships through dating [8,10]. Dating can be defined as "the process of finding a romantic partner(s), which might involve many meaningful activities such as: dressing, social activities, online dating, meeting someone for coffee etc."…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Research to date has shown that the diagnosis and symptoms of MS can impact family relationships, marriage, and long-term relationships [9,10]. However, very little is known about the experiences of people with MS as they partake in the occupations associated with dating and form or maintain romantic relationships [10]. This study is being carried out in response to the lack of research around this phenomenon to elicit valuable insights.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

et al. 2021

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which usually manifests between the ages of 20–40 years. This is a critical period for developing relationships, particularly romantic relationships. People with MS can experience sexual dysfunction, limb weakness, fatigue, pain, reduced mood and bladder/bowel dysfunction; potentially affecting their ability to participate in many meaningful activities, including those associated with romantic relationships, dating or engaging in sexual intercourse. Dating or starting romantic relationships can be difficult for people with physical disabilities as they can experience stigma, negative societal attitudes and the fear of requiring care from potential partners. Dating experiences of people with progressive conditions like MS have not been explored in detail. The aim of this study was to develop a rich understanding of how living with MS interacts with/influences dating and developing romantic relationships. The study used a descriptive phenomenological design and a purposive sampling strategy. Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method was used to analyze the data (Colaizzi, 1978). Five females and two males, aged 23–51, participated in two online focus groups. Dating with a diagnosis of MS is a highly personal phenomenon, characterized by individual differences in values and experiences. Core to the phenomenon was personal decision-making about disclosure of the diagnosis and ongoing adaptation to the fluctuating nature of the condition with partners in new/developing relationships. The findings will help health professionals working with adults with MS understand this important aspect of their lives.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 61%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

et al. 2021

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Multiple sclerosis and self-alienation: A study based on self and others representations

Ziaie,

Mazaheri,

Zabihzadeh

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. MS causes many changes in the lives of its patients, forcing them to renegotiate their lives. Part of these changes are related to patients' self- and others- mental representations. Despite the importance of mental representations in changes caused by or adaptation to MS, limited research has been conducted to examine the mental representations of patients with MS. Methods This study examines the mental representations that Healthy Controls (HC) and Patients with MS (PWMS) have of themselves and others, including childhood and current self-images, as well as those of their mothers, love partners, and close friends. In both groups (HC (n = 82) and PWMS (n = 82)), participants completed demographic variables as well as a modified version of the comfortable interpersonal distance (CID) task in both passive (when protagonists approached them) and active modes (when participants approach protagonists). Participants estimated the point at which they felt discomforted. Results The PWMS group preferred a significantly larger interpersonal distance than the HC group for both current self-image and love partner. There is no difference between the two groups in preferring interpersonal distance from their childhood self-image, mother, and friends. Conclusions Based on the research results, it seems that PWMS experience a kind of alienation at the level of self-mental representations. This research can be helpful in modifying MS interventions and increasing the engagement of support systems.

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Estudio piloto sobre el funcionamiento sexual en mujeres con Esclerosis Múltiple en México

Paz-Rodríguez¹,

Sánchez-Guzmán²,

Corona-Vázquez³

et al. 2022

revecuatneurol

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Introducción: La disfunción sexual en mujeres con Esclerosis Múltiple (EM) es frecuente. No se ha explorado ampliamente la manera en que es abordada por los médicos y cómo es la comunicación con las pacientes. Objetivo: Describir la sexualidad de mujeres con EM, su satisfacción con la relación de pareja y la comunicación con los médicos. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo, realizado en la Clínica de EM en el principal centro de concentración de México, con cuestionarios autoadministrados mediante una encuesta en línea, sobre: salud mental, relaciones de pareja, interacción médico-paciente en el tema de salud sexual y reproductiva, funcionamiento sexual femenino, intimidad y sexualidad. Resultados: Participaron 37 mujeres: Edad promedio 35.0±8.25 años. Llevan 4.3± 3.8 años con la enfermedad y el curso principal es EM remitente recurrente (79.2%). El 89.1% reporta relaciones sexuales y 43.8% usó anticonceptivos en su primera relación. Por interés propio, 40% hablaron con un médico sobre la sexualidad. Las mujeres que no tienen relación de pareja y no han hablado con un médico sobre sexualidad, obtienen puntuaciones bajas en los dominios de funcionamiento sexual. Discusión y Conclusiones: La comunicación sobre la salud sexual es fundamental y para ello la relación médico- paciente es medular.

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‘I want to be with you, but I have MS’: Challenges of interpersonal relationships from the MS patients’ point of view

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis and self-alienation: A study based on self and others representations

Estudio piloto sobre el funcionamiento sexual en mujeres con Esclerosis Múltiple en México

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