Perceived stress in multiple sclerosis patients: Relationship with mood states and pain experience

Multiple sclerosis and its related stressors have a significant emotional impact. Patients with multiple sclerosis are more likely to experience disturbed mood states and pain exacerbations when they experience stressful life events.

The study aimed to determine the relationship between increased perceived stress, mood states, and pain experience in patients with multiple sclerosis.

A convenience sample of 110 patients with multiple sclerosis was assembled from the neuropsychiatric outpatient clinics at El- Hadara Orthopedic and Traumatology Alexandria University Hospital. Four tools were used: a biosocio-demographic data structured questionnaire, a Perceived Stress Scale, a Profile of Mood States, and a Numeric Rating Pain Scale.

This study concluded that the majority of patients studied experienced moderate to severe levels of increased perceived stress. Disturbed mood states and pain perception were found to be significantly associated with patients' perceived stress levels.