title: The relationship between self-awareness of neurobehavioral symptoms, cognitive functioning, and emotional symptoms in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine self-awareness of neurobehavioral symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) across three domains of function (apathy, disinhibition, and executive control), and examine the relationship between self-awareness and cognitive functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six individuals with MS completed neuropsychological testing, measures of emotional functioning, and self-ratings of neurobehavioral symptoms using the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), a 46-item questionnaire with subscales assessing frequency of symptoms in executive dysfunction, disinhibition, and apathy. Informants' ratings of the FrSBe were also obtained. Decreasing differences between patient and informant reports on each subscale of the FrSBe (concordance) indicate higher levels of self-awareness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed significant positive correlations between cognitive abilities and self-awareness of executive dysfunction and disinhibition. In contrast, affect symptomatology (measures of anxiety and depression) were negatively correlated with self-awareness of executive dysfunction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Level of self-awareness of neurobehavioral symptoms in MS is related to level of cognitive impairment In addition, symptoms of depression and anxiety reduced the accuracy of self-reporting. Thus, a clinician who relies on self-reports in creating an evaluation and treatment plan should consider the patient's cognitive and emotional states.
authors.affiliation: Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA.
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Goverover
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chiaravalloti
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeLuca
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001364:Awareness; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept