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Physical and psychosocial functioning in multiple sclerosis: descriptions, correlations, and a tentative typology
1Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611.
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
This study explored how multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts patients psychologically. Physical dysfunction in women with MS correlated with poorer psychosocial functioning, suggesting distinct patient typologies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with diverse and uncertain outcomes.
- Understanding the varied courses of MS is crucial for patient care.
- Psychosocial factors may influence the experience of MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and differentiate the various courses of multiple sclerosis.
- To examine the relationship between health status and personality in MS patients.
- To develop a tentative typology of individuals with MS.
Main Methods:
- 81 outpatients diagnosed with MS completed the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP).
- Data were collected via structured interviews.
- Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and cluster analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- Descriptive statistics for SIP and CPI were examined by age and sex.
- Increasing physical dysfunction was associated with lower psychosocial functioning, specifically in women.
- Cluster analysis of CPI scores suggested potential MS patient typologies.
Conclusions:
- Physical dysfunction in MS disproportionately affects psychosocial dimensions in women.
- A tentative typology of persons with MS is proposed for future research.
- Further investigation is needed to differentiate MS patient courses based on psychological and health status.
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