Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 9, 2025
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
The COVID-19 Pandemic Experience in Multiple Sclerosis: The Good, the Bad and the Neutral
Hannah Morris-Bankole1, Aileen K Ho2
1School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK.
Introduction:
While the current COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of many, there is a paucity of information on the impact on people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study sought to gain insight into the impact of the current situation on people with MS and the factors that influence this.
Methods:
324 MS patients participated in this online cross-sectional survey during the COVID-19 lockdown period. A mixed methods design was used, with quantitative information collected on MS-related factors as well as COVID-19 impact and an open-ended, qualitative response looking for reasons behind the self-reported COVID-19 impact.
Results:
We found that 48% of the participants reported that COVID-19 had a neutral impact on their lives and 16% reported a positive impact. However, 36% reported a negative impact, and had greater levels of MS- and non-MS-related worries, and higher levels of bother related to psychological and cognitive symptoms and fatigue than the groups reporting a neutral or positive impact. Significant predictors of this adversely affected group were age, type of MS and presence of psychological symptoms. Antidepressant medication use, time since diagnosis, gender, location, living arrangements or employment status did not predict impact. Open-ended responses explaining personal COVID-19 impact indicate that coping strategies may contribute to these findings. In particular, active, problem-focused approaches were reported by the majority of people who reported a positive impact, as well as a third of those who reported a neutral impact.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that younger people, those with progressive types of MS, and those with psychological symptoms are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of a COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown. Coping strategies provide further insight into these findings with those reporting active problem-focused approaches seemingly faring better than those who do not state any coping strategies. These results also have implications for understanding other like neurological conditions that share many similarities with MS and how best to direct support.
Insights
COVID-19 lockdowns negatively impacted 36% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, particularly younger individuals with progressive MS or psychological symptoms. Active coping strategies were linked to better outcomes in this MS population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Understanding this impact is crucial for targeted support and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with MS.
- To identify factors influencing the pandemic's impact on the MS population.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods online survey was conducted with 324 individuals with MS during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Quantitative data on MS-related factors and COVID-19 impact were collected, alongside qualitative responses on perceived impact.
Main Results:
- 36% of participants reported a negative impact from COVID-19, experiencing increased worries and symptom severity (psychological, cognitive, fatigue).
- Younger age, progressive MS type, and psychological symptoms predicted negative impacts.
- Active, problem-focused coping strategies were associated with neutral or positive impacts.
Conclusions:
- Younger individuals, those with progressive MS, and those with psychological symptoms are most vulnerable to pandemic-related lockdowns.
- Active coping mechanisms appear to mitigate negative effects, suggesting a potential avenue for support.
- Findings are relevant for understanding similar neurological conditions and informing support interventions.
More Related Videos
05:44Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
10:46A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Related Concept Videos
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...