Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Daily hassles reported by Dutch multiple sclerosis patients
Karin van der Hiele1, Noëlle G Spliethoff-Kamminga, Rob P Ruimschotel
1National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Wagenstraat 25, 3142 CR Maassluis, The Netherlands. hiele@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|July 17, 2012
Summary
Daily hassles significantly impact multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with over half reporting high frequency and distress. Factors like being female, younger, and experiencing anxiety are linked to increased psychosocial stress in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence links stress to relapse risk in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Daily hassles, due to their chronic nature, can cause significant psychosocial stress.
- Understanding these hassles in MS patients is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency, distress, and types of daily hassles in Dutch MS patients.
- To identify factors associated with high levels of psychosocial stress in this population.
Main Methods:
- A large community-based sample of 715 multiple sclerosis patients completed questionnaires.
- Data collected included demographics, disease characteristics, functioning, daily hassles, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of MS patients reported a high number of daily hassles (57.5%) and high associated distress (55.7%).
- Common daily hassles related to personal functioning and social developments.
- Being female, younger, highly educated, using benzodiazepines, higher anxiety, and greater fatigue impact were associated with high stress.
Conclusions:
- Daily hassles are prevalent and distressing for a majority of MS patients.
- Specific demographic and clinical factors are associated with increased psychosocial stress.
- Stress and anxiety management strategies should be integrated into therapeutic interventions for MS.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:12Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...