Predictors of emotional distress in people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of prospective studies

Emotional distress (defined as any negative mood state, including anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms and global distress) is common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). To develop more integrated care for PwMS requires a better understanding of causal variables underlying persistent emotional distress. This systematic review critically appraised and synthesised the findings of prospective studies investigating predictors of emotional distress in PwMS.

CINAHL, Medline, and PsycINFO, were systematically searched for: i) prospective cohort studies with ≥1-month follow-up period, which; ii) evaluated baseline clinical and demographic, social and/or psychosocial predictors of emotional distress; iii) presented results for adults with MS; and iv) used validated measures to assess emotional distress. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Thirteen studies, reported in 17 papers, were included. A wide range of outcome measures and statistical methods were used. The most reliable finding was that baseline emotional distress and stress-coping variables predicted emotional distress. Less robust support was found for income, negative cognitive illness appraisals and poor social support. No other variables often predicted emotional distress.

Lack of consistency across included studies may limit confidence in the results obtained.

Little is currently known about how or why some people become and remain distressed following a diagnosis of MS, whilst others do not. However, psychological and social factors such as emotional distress and stress-coping variables appear to be important. A better understanding of the psychological factors underpinning distress in PwMS is needed.