Receiving a diagnosis of a serious medical problem can be shocking, even traumatic. People who find out they have cancer, tumors, or other potentially life-threatening issues may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSD). Research has shown that even chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, can lead to PTSD because of the way they sometimes impair a person’s quality of life. However, less is known about PTSD as it relates to multiple sclerosis (MS). MS can cause significant physical impairment, but also manifests through flare-ups. Therefore, many people with MS have periods of remission during which they experience little physical impairment as well as periods of significant disability. These flare-ups can persist indefinitely, making symptom severity independent of illness duration.
Alyssa Counsell of the Department of Psychology at the University of Regina in Canada wanted to find out if clients living with MS were at risk for PTSD. Counsell interviewed 126 individuals diagnosed with MS and asked them to report their history with MS, including symptom severity and duration. She also gathered information regarding comorbid depression, anxiety, and other health issues. She found that the participants with the most debilitating symptoms had the highest levels of PTSD, regardless of how long they had been living with MS. Additionally, those with comorbid health issues, including depression and anxiety, were more likely to have symptoms of PTSD than those with MS only.
Counsell also noted that not all participants reported their MS diagnosis as being a traumatic experience. However, rates of PTSD were significantly higher among those who did. Individuals with anxiety and MS reported the most severe symptoms of PTSD. The participants who did not view their MS as traumatic may have been living with the issue long enough to have adjusted psychologically. Regardless, the results of the study shed light on the link between PTSD and MS. “The findings suggests that individuals who experience severe physical health problems may be at an increased risk of developing PTSD and should be directed to additional mental health services,” Counsell said.
Counsell, A., Hadjistavropoulos, H. D., Kehler, M. D., Asmundson, G. J. G. (2012). Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1037/a0029338
© Copyright 2012 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved.
The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.