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[Psychosocial factors and cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: gender differences].
S Lopez-Alava1, J Aliri2, J Olascoaga3,4,5
1Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Espana.
Revista De Neurologia
|August 30, 2017
Summary
Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) show gender-specific stress management and cognitive differences. Assessing these factors by gender is crucial for effective MS patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) disproportionately affects women, with biopsychosocial factors potentially influencing clinical outcomes.
- Understanding the interplay of stress, coping, and cognition is vital in managing MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate stress management in remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
- To investigate gender-based differences in stress management and cognitive performance among MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Neuropsychological testing (Brief Repeatable Battery) and psychosocial assessments were conducted on 42 RRMS patients.
- Comparative analyses examined gender differences in clinical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial variables.
- Correlation analyses explored relationships between psychosocial and clinical variables, stratified by gender.
Main Results:
- Significant gender disparities were observed in MS outbreak rates and attention/executive function.
- Gender-specific correlations between clinical and psychosocial variables were stronger than in the overall sample.
- Women with MS exhibited a tendency towards self-blame, with no predominant coping strategy identified.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive and psychosocial assessments, with attention to gender, are essential for managing RRMS patients.
- Tailoring interventions based on gender-specific needs may improve patient outcomes in multiple sclerosis.
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