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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Relationship between stress and relapse in multiple sclerosis: Part II. Direct and indirect relationships
R F Brown1, C C Tennant, M Sharrock
1Department of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia. rhonda.brown@une.edu.au
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|August 12, 2006
Summary
The frequency of acute stressors, not their severity, predicts multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. Utilizing social support as a coping mechanism is also linked to fewer MS relapses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited research exists on non-clinical predictors of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses.
- Factors indirectly influencing the relationship between stress and MS relapse require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify direct and indirect factors related to multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse.
- To investigate the role of life-event stressors, disease, demographic, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors in MS relapse.
Main Methods:
- A two-year prospective study involving 101 participants with MS.
- Assessment of stressful life-events, depression, anxiety, and fatigue at three-monthly intervals.
- Evaluation of disease, demographic, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors at baseline.
Main Results:
- Acute stressor frequency and the use of social support for coping predicted MS relapse.
- No association was found between chronic stressors, disease, demographic, psychosocial, or lifestyle factors and MS relapse.
- No factors were identified as indirectly impacting the stress-relapse relationship.
Conclusions:
- The number of stressors, rather than their severity, is a key predictor of MS relapse risk.
- Effective coping strategies, particularly utilizing social support, are crucial for managing MS relapse.
- MS patients are advised to minimize exposure to situations generating multiple stressors or limiting social support avenues.
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