Personality characteristics and disorders in multiple sclerosis patients: Assessment and treatment

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Although a significant incidence and prevalence of psychological disorders in MS has been reported there is limited data on the prevalence of personality disorders (PD) in these patients. Recent findings indicate the need for early diagnosis and treatment of PD in MS patients in the interests of prognosis, conformity to treatment and patient's quality of life improvement. This article summarizes existing evidence on prevalence, types and diagnostic criteria of PD in MS, clinical manifestations of personality pathology or changes in MS patients, and instruments currently used for diagnosis and assessment of PD in this group of patients. Underlying mechanisms suggested as causes of personality changes in MS patients are also discussed. The article reviews therapeutic strategies, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy interventions and emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to patient's treatment.

Personality traits in multiple sclerosis: Association with mood and anxiety disorders

“…Depressed mood and/or increased anxiety in MS are associated with problems adhering to disease modifying medications [7], interpersonal problems [8], perceived cognitive difficulties [9,10], and an overall poorer quality of life [11,12]. Evidence also suggests that many MS patients experience personality disturbances [13][14][15]. Commonly cited MS personality changes include social inappropriateness, disinhibition, apathy, emotional lability, and impulsivity.…”

Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of Assessment and Treatment Approaches in Adult and Pediatric Populations

“…Group CBT has yielded beneficial results, as well [80]. On the other hand, there still may be some patients who would benefit more by insight-oriented, psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on the management of psychological defenses and unconscious psychic activity [82, 88]. The effectiveness of mindful-based intervention (MBI) which is based on the nonjudgmental awareness of everyday moments has also been recently demonstrated [89].…”

Multipl Skleroz Hastalarında Mizaç Karakter Özellikleri ve Aleksitimi Düzeyi

“…MS ile birlikte görülen davranışsal semptomlar arasında öfori, depresyon, yorgunluk ve kişilik değişiklikleri sayılabilir. İrritabilite ve apati ile karakterize kişilik değişiklikleri MS hastalarının %20-40'ında görülmektedir (3). MS hastalarında kişilik özelliklerinin değerlendirildiği sınırlı sayıda çalışma bildirilmiştir (4,5,6,7).…”