Depression during exacerbations in multiple sclerosis: the importance of uncertainty.
The following correlates of depression were examined in a sample of 166 patients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting (n=140) or secondary progressive (n=26) multiple sclerosis: (a) the present state of the patients' illness (i.e., whether or not they were currently experiencing an exacerbation of their symptoms); (b) their level of uncertainty concerning their illness; and (c) their strategies for coping with their illness. A current exacerbation in symptoms, greater uncertainty of illness, and greater use of emotion-centered forms of coping were all related to depression. Multivariate analyses revealed that uncertainty of illness played a pivotal role as a mediating variable. Exacerbations in illness appeared to heighten patients' levels of uncertainty, and it was largely through this heightened uncertainty that the increases in depression came about.
Kroencke
D C
DC
Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045, USA.
Denney
D R
DR
Lynch
S G
SG
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D018579:Patient Selection; D011336:Probability; D012008:Recurrence