Coping strategies in multiple sclerosis patients with frontal cognitive disorders

Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and cognition disorder. The objective of this study was to investigate the coping style of patients with mild frontal cognitive disorder.

135 patients with MS were divided into two groups as a function of their cognitive states ('mild frontal cognitive impairments' or 'without frontal cognitive impairments'). All were seen for a semi-structured interview in order to collect socio-demographic and clinical information, after which there was an assessment of their cognitive and mental states and fatigue (FAB, MADRS). Then, all patients completed three self-report questionnaires concerning their coping strategies (WCC, CHIP) as well as their fatigue state.

No significant differences were observed between the two groups as to coping strategies and mood. However, patients with mild cognitive impairments tended to use more emotion-focused coping strategies, especially self-blame (F(133) = 2.2; p = 0.14) and diversion (F(133) = 1.35; p = 0.24) than patients without cognitive impairments. Patients with mild cognitive impairments were more fatigued than other patients.

Our study showed that patients with mild cognitive impairments did not differ significantly of other MS patients with regard to coping strategies.