Psychological determinants for behavioral problems in people with multiple sclerosis: a patient control pilot study

Abstract

AbstractAlthough multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disease of the central nervous system, little is known about behavioral problems, like signs of rigidity, increased disinhibition and apathy. The aim of the present study is to examine whether people with MS (PwMS) report more behavioral problems compared to people with a non-CNS-involved chronic disease (people with rheumatoid arthritis (PwRA)) and the relationship with depression, anxiety, coping and fatigue. Forty-five PwMS and thirty PwRA and informants filled in questionnaires assessing behavioral problems (NPI-Q, BRIEF-A), depression and anxiety (HADS), acceptance (ICQ) and fatigue (CIS-20). Compared to PwRA, PwMS reported significantly more apathy, irritability and aimless repetitive behavior. PwMS also reported higher levels of fatigue and more helplessness. Higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of acceptance were related to higher levels of self-reported apathy. Higher levels of irritability were related to more helplessness and less acceptance. This study indicates that there is a specific pattern of self-reported behavioral problems in PwMS regarding apathy, irritability and repetitive behavior. These results may not solely be explained by psychological factors, but it is hypothesized that this could result from MS related executive disorders.

Keywords

• Multiple sclerosis
• behavioral problems
• psychological factors
• cognition
• neuropsychology
• Stephanie Rossit, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom