Mental Health and Mental Health Service Use Among People Aged 45+ with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease with numerous symptoms and consequences that does not typically reduce life expectancy. Mental health issues are common in this population, yet few investigations have targeted people aging with this disease (i.e., people aged 45+). This study examined factors contributing to mental health challenges among 1282 people with MS aged 45 to 90 and the extent of mental health service use among those who reported problems. Findings showed that functional abilities, age, years since diagnosis, presence of a helper, and self-rated health are related to mental health challenges. Less than 16% of people with mental health challenges were receiving services.

Employment status and perceived health status in younger and older people with multiple sclerosis

“…The older age group reported worse PPHS and PMHS than the younger group. Our findings are in line with earlier results about people with MS of 45 years old or more that showed that functional abilities, years since diagnosis and self-rated health, are related to mental health challenges (Garcia and Finlayson, 2005).…”

“…The study sample consisted of two age subgroups of people with MS: a younger group aged 18-44 years (< 45 years) and an older group aged 45-61 years (Z 45 years). The age cut-off point of 45 years in this sample was based on previous studies in people with MS in age cohorts 18-45 and 45-90 years (Garcia and Finlayson, 2005;Krokavcova et al, 2008), and on the study mode (range 18-61 years).…”

Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…[42][43][44][45] Patient physical disability has also been found to be associated with mental health challenges as well as reduced physical HRQOL. 5,16,42 Older adults with MS may be more isolated, be less able to leave their homes, and have less social support than younger individuals with MS. Lack of social support, disabling symptoms, and social isolation have been reported as negative aspects of aging with MS. 46 Encouraging the use of rehabilitation services and participation in MS support groups may help increase elderly patients' HRQOL by helping them cope with their physical disability.…”

Quality of life in MS: Does aging enhance perceptions of mental health?

“…They found that mental health was stable across age, despite the fact that physical functioning decreased across the age groups. In a study of mental health challenges, Garcia and Finlayson [24] found that people aged 45-64 reported the most challenges, and that being age 75 or above seemed to protect against experiencing mental health challenges. DiLorenzo et al [25] found that older individuals (age 60 and above) reported more physical limitations, but similar levels of HRQOL, after controlling for duration of MS, as compared to those under age 60.…”

“…A few studies have directly compared various aspects of HRQOL in older and younger MS patients [6,[23][24][25]. Roberts and Stuifbergen [23] compared health appraisals and depression across MS patients in three age groups.…”