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Mood and coping in clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Bianchi V.,
De Giglio L.,
Prosperini L.,
Mancinelli C.,
De Angelis F.,
Barletta V.,
Pozzilli C.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/ane.12194
Subject(s) - coping (psychology) , anxiety , mood , multiple sclerosis , clinical psychology , psychology , mood disorders , medicine , psychiatry
Objective Few studies have examined behavioural changes in the early phase of multiple sclerosis ( MS ). The aim of the study is to investigate mood alterations and to explore coping strategies regarding patients with clinically isolated syndrome ( CIS ) and relapsing‐remitting MS ( RRMS ). Materials and Methods The communication of diagnosis was made by one neurologist using a standardized approach. Depression, anxiety and coping questionnaires were filled in within 1 month from the diagnosis and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months subsequently. Results Thirty‐nine patients were examined (11 CIS , 28 RRMS ), also 39 healthy controls. At entry, patients showed a lower degree of hostile behaviour and a higher level of depression than the controls. At follow‐up, a reduction in depression, anxiety and a better coping adjustment was observed. A higher reliance on ‘Accepting responsibilities’ coping score was seen in patients with higher levels of depression and anxiety. No significant differences were revealed by group comparisons between CIS and RRMS . Conclusions This study highlights transient mood alterations and an improving of adaptive coping over a period of time in patients with CIS and RRMS . Similar emotional reactions and coping in clinical subgroups suggest that these factors are independent from the type of information provided during the communication of the diagnosis.