Mood and coping in clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Behavioral Neurology

Background:

• Limited research exists on early behavioral changes in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Understanding mood and coping is crucial for managing early MS.
• Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) represent early disease stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mood alterations in early MS.
• To explore coping strategies in patients with CIS and RRMS.
• To track changes in mood and coping post-diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• 39 patients (11 CIS, 28 RRMS) and 39 controls were assessed.
• Standardized diagnostic communication was used.
• Depression, anxiety, and coping questionnaires were administered at baseline and 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Patients initially exhibited lower hostility and higher depression than controls.
• Over time, patients showed reduced depression and anxiety, with improved coping.
• Higher 'Accepting responsibilities' coping scores correlated with greater depression and anxiety.

Conclusions:

• Patients with CIS and RRMS experience transient mood disturbances.
• Adaptive coping strategies improve over the initial two years post-diagnosis.
• Mood and coping responses appear independent of the diagnostic communication method.