The relationship between self-awareness of neurobehavioral symptoms, cognitive functioning, and emotional symptoms in multiple sclerosis.
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.
Goverover
Yael
Y
Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA.
Chiaravalloti
Nancy
N
DeLuca
John
J
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