The psychosocial impact of multiple sclerosis: Exploring the patient's perspective.

Abstract

This study examined subjective patient experiences of the psychosocial consequences of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifty patients were interviewed regarding the effects MS had on their lives and interpersonal relationships. These statements were collated and administered with a 5-point Likert scale to 94 MS patients. The responses were subjected to factor analysis. Three areas of subjective patient experience of the psychosocial consequences of MS emerged: demoralization, benefit-finding, and deteriorated relationships. Of particular interest was benefit-finding, which included a deepening of relationships, enhanced appreciation of life, and an increase in spiritual interests. Although benefit-finding was related to adaptive coping strategies such as positive reappraisal and seeking social support, it was unrelated to depression and was related to higher levels of anxiety and anger. These findings indicate that benefit-finding is a substantial and poorly understood part of the illness experience for MS patients.

The association of benefit finding to psychosocial and health behavior adaptation among HIV+ men and women

“…Indeed, the majority of participants endorsed moderate to high levels of agreement with statements indicative of a major shift in perspective, priorities, and personal growth. Thus, consistent with findings from populations of bereaved individuals (Davis, Nolen-Hoeksema, & Larson, 1998), heart attack survivors (Affleck et al, 1987;Petrie et al, 1999), multiple-sclerosis patients (Mohr et al, 1999;Pakenham, 2005), and cancer patients Sears et al, 2003;Tomich & Helgeson, 2004), many HIV+ individuals report gains in the context of coping with a chronic, incurable illness. The tendency to perceive benefits in the context of being HIV+ was more common among African-American and female participants, relative to Caucasian and male participants.…”

The effects of identification with a support group on the mental health of people with multiple sclerosis

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease involving demyelination of the nervous system [1]. There are three key MS sub-types, each exhibiting different progression patterns: Relapsing-Remitting (RR; periods of symptom remission interspersed with periods of relapse), Primary Progressive (PP; a slow and continual worsening of symptoms), and Secondary Progressive (SP; RRMS transitioning into a steadier worsening of symptoms) [2].…”

Problems of Adults with a Mitochondrial Disease – The Patients’ Perspective: Focus on Loss

“…Although our study is focussed on "problems", respondents narrated also about positive consequences as personal growth, deepened relationships, enjoying the usual things of life and changing perspectives on life goals. From literature, we know that positive consequences are focused on recovery (Mancini and Bonanno 2009), personal growth (Folkman and Moskowitz 2004), life satisfaction, positive affect, dyadic adjustment, better relationships, promoted well-being, new priorities, goals sustained (Pakenham 2005;Mohr et al 1999) and increasing comfort (Issaksson and Ahlstr€ om 2008).This perspective requires effective management (Issaksson and Ahlstr€ om 2008) and a change of focus from pathology to positive psychology (Somerfield and McCrae 2000).…”