Perception of prognostic risk in patients with multiple sclerosis: the relationship with anxiety, depression, and disease-related distress.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of perception of prognostic risk on anxiety, depression, and disease-related distress in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Perceived risk and perceived seriousness of the 2-year, 10-year, and lifetime prognosis of wheelchair dependence, disability status, anxiety, depression, and disease-related distress were assessed in 101 patients. Distress was measured as the intrusion and avoidance of MS-related thoughts and feelings.


RESULTS
Patients with higher perceptions of 2-year, 10-year, or lifetime risk were bothered by more intrusion of MS-related thoughts and feelings. Only higher perception of the 2-year risk of wheelchair dependence was significantly related with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and avoidance. Similarly, higher perception of the seriousness of wheelchair dependence was consistently associated with more intrusion and avoidance, but only perceived seriousness of the 2-year prospect of wheelchair dependence was significantly correlated with anxiety and depression. All relations were independent of clinically assessed disability status.


CONCLUSIONS
Perceptions of the short-term risk and seriousness of wheelchair dependence were significantly related to anxiety, depression, and disease-related distress in patients with MS. These findings underscore the importance of informing patients with chronic disorders about the short-term prognosis of important long-term consequences of disease.
Janssens
A Cecile J W
AC
Erasmus MC, Department of Neurology, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
van Doorn
Pieter A
PA
de Boer
Josien B
JB
van der Meché
Frans G A
FG
Passchier
Jan
J
Hintzen
Rogier Q
RQ
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010465:Perception; D011379:Prognosis; D012306:Risk