title: Longitudinal study of the symptom checklist 90-revised in multiple sclerosis patients.
abstract: The current study examined the 3-year longitudinal course of psychopathology reported by 53 definite MS patients, then assessed for clinical elevations. Across SCL-90-R scales, only 9-21% of patients' scores changed. Intercorrelations among Time 1 and Time 2 were significant (p < .01). Clinical elevations on the scales ranged from 26% (anxiety) to 52% (somatization). Consistent with studies of depression, results demonstrated that other types of psychopathology are very stable over time. Because a relatively high percentage of patients displayed clinical elevations across the scales over time, this study suggests that the stability of psychopathology in MS patients is of clinical concern.
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University, Providence, RI, USA.
authors.forename: Amanda Schurle
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Arnett
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index