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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

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How patients with multiple sclerosis weigh treatment risks and benefits

Jared M Bruce1, David P Jarmolowicz2, Sharon Lynch3

  • 1Department of Psychology and Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Health Psychology : Official Journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association
|June 5, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients weigh treatment risks and benefits differently. Patient knowledge and disease course influence decisions on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Health Psychology
  • Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

  • Established efficacy and risks of multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies are known.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding patient perception and risk-benefit analysis of MS treatments.
  • Understanding patient risk-benefit trade-offs is crucial for therapy development, approval, and recommendation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe individual differences in how patients with MS weigh risks and benefits when making treatment decisions.
  • To explore factors influencing patient willingness to initiate disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

Main Methods:

  • 290 patients with MS completed tasks assessing willingness to take hypothetical DMTs.
  • Assessments included varying efficacy, side effect probability, and severity.
  • Questionnaires covered MS knowledge, medication beliefs, healthcare climate, and disease severity.

Main Results:

  • Patients with primary progressive MS showed higher DMT willingness than those with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS.
  • Lower willingness to initiate DMTs was observed in patients who had never used DMTs, held more alternative health beliefs, or had discontinued DMTs due to side effects.
  • Increased MS knowledge correlated with greater willingness to initiate DMTs.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides initial insights into how chronic disease patients balance medication risks and benefits.
  • Findings have implications for pharmaceutical development, physician-patient communication, adherence strategies, and patient education.
  • Further research can enhance understanding of patient decision-making in chronic disease management.

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