Longitudinal study of the symptom checklist 90-revised in multiple sclerosis patients.
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.
Bruce
Amanda Schurle
AS
The Pennsylvania State University, Providence, RI, USA.
Arnett
Peter A
PA
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