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Cognitive and emotional disturbances in multiple sclerosis
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.
Neurologic Clinics
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be more disabling than physical symptoms. Current diagnostic methods lack sensitivity, highlighting the need for better screening tools.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently involves cognitive and emotional disturbances.
- These impairments can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, sometimes more than physical symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the nature, prevalence, and course of cognitive and emotional disturbances in MS.
- To highlight the limitations of current diagnostic methods for cognitive impairment in MS.
- To emphasize the need for improved screening tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cognitive and emotional disturbances in MS.
- Discussion of the sensitivity limitations of current neurologic and neuroimaging procedures.
Main Results:
- Mild to moderate cognitive impairment is prevalent in MS patients.
- Cognitive deficits can be more incapacitating than physical symptoms for some individuals.
- Existing diagnostic tools often lack the sensitivity to detect all affected patients.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairment is a significant and often underdetected aspect of MS.
- There is a critical need for the development of sensitive and clinically practical neuropsychological screening tools for MS.