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Multiple sclerosis: correlation of anxiety, physical impairment and cognitive dysfunction
E Stenager1, L Knudsen, K Jensen
1Clinical Neuro-Psychiatric Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Anxiety in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients often signals cognitive issues or physical disability. This study found anxiety correlated with both physical impairment and specific cognitive deficits in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting cognitive function and physical abilities.
- Anxiety is a common comorbidity in MS, but its relationship with specific impairments requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between anxiety and physical impairment in patients with definite MS.
- To determine if anxiety is associated with specific types of cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-four patients diagnosed with definite MS participated.
- Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
- Physical impairment was measured with the Kurtzke Disability Status scale.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using Trail Making, Symbol Digit Modalities, Auditory Verbal Learning, Story Recall, and Recurring Figures tests.
Main Results:
- Anxiety was observed in moderately handicapped patients (Kurtzke Disability Status scale 4-5).
- A significant correlation was found between physical impairment and anxiety (p < 0.05).
- The Trail Making test, a measure of cognitive function, also correlated significantly with anxiety (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Anxiety can serve as an indicator of underlying cognitive dysfunction in MS.
- Anxiety may also be a marker for physical impairment in individuals with MS.
- The findings suggest anxiety is a multifaceted symptom in MS, potentially linked to cognitive decline, physical disability, or social stressors.