Personality traits of patients with multiple sclerosis and their correlation with anxiety and depression levels: A cross‐sectional case–control study

Abstract

Objective Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that can cause severe disability and impair the quality of life (QoL). Methods In the current cross‐sectional, case–control study, we investigated personality traits, anxiety and depression levels, in 101 patients in the case group and 202 individuals as a control group. The personality traits of the participants were collected via the Neuroticism‐Extraversion‐Openness Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) questionnaire. We evaluated the level of anxiety and depression based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire. Results Our study showed in patients with disease duration above 1 year, the rates of agreement (29.78), anxiety (8.83), and depression level (6.39) were significantly higher than the control group (27.19, 6.47, and 4.97, respectively). Although patients with disease duration below 1 year showed a higher level of agreement and conscientiousness (29.65 and 34.35, respectively) than controls (26.6 and 30.86, respectively). The level of anxiety and depression in patients with a disability index above 4.5 was significantly higher than patients with a disability index below 1. Patients with a disability index below 1 showed a higher rate of extraversion and agreement and conscientiousness (31.47, 31.53, and 35.07, respectively) than controls (25.5, 26.23, and 3033, respectively). In addition, patients with a disability index above 4.5 showed a higher level of agreement (35.64), conscientiousness (35.5), anxiety (9.64), and depression (7.5) than controls (25.96, 30.71, 6.96, and 4.71, respectively). Conclusions In conclusion, anxiety and depression levels were much higher among MS patients compared with controls and the severity of these conditions correlate with the score of the disability index. Therefore, a complete comprehension of these conditions by the neurologist could be vital in improving patients’ QoL and increasing compliance and adherence to pharmacological therapy.

Multiple sclerosis and personality traits: associations with depression and anxiety

“…Our study aimed to shed light on the complex interplay between psychological factors and personality traits among pwMS. The exploration of personality traits in pwMS provides us with valuable insights into how pwMS deal with their condition and enables us to tailor their treatment strategies accordingly [ 25 ].…”

“…Consequently, the lack of treatment adherence can negatively impact the duration and severity of their disability and disease [ 50 ]. Moreover, there is supporting evidence indicating that mood disorders are linked to the extent of disability in pwMS [ 25 ]. When considering the connection between personality traits and psychological factors, it can be inferred that there exists a correlation between disability and personality traits.…”

Relationship of personality traits with stigmatization, depression, and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…5,6 It has also been reported that neuroticism personality trait is more dominant in MS patients and is associated with anxiety and depressive mood. [7][8][9][10] Recent studies have shown that neuroticism is associated with impaired physical disability, cognitive functioning and mental resilience. 3,11,12 Conversely, positive personality traits such as extraversion, conscientiousness and openness have been reported to be protective factors against physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms.…”