The Perceived Deficits Questionnaire: Perception, Deficit, or Distress?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS), impacting function and quality of life.
• Standardized tests and screening measures like the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ) are used to assess cognitive impairment in MS.
• Previous research shows inconsistent relationships between self-reported cognitive issues and objective measures, with factors like depression and fatigue often playing a larger role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the relationship between subjective cognitive concerns and objective cognitive impairment in MS.
• To investigate the influence of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and self-efficacy on self-reported cognitive difficulties.

Main Methods:

• Examined the association between self-reported cognitive concerns using the PDQ and objective cognitive performance.
• Assessed the correlation of PDQ scores with measures of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and self-efficacy.

Main Results:

• No significant relationship was found between self-reported cognitive concerns on the PDQ and objective cognitive performance.
• PDQ scores were strongly correlated with self-reported depression, anxiety, fatigue, and self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Perceived cognitive difficulties in MS are more influenced by psychological factors such as depression and low self-efficacy than by objective cognitive impairment.
• Treatments targeting depression and self-efficacy may improve the accuracy of self-reports and positively impact outcomes in MS.