title: Symptom overlap in anxiety and multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The validity of self-rated anxiety inventories in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is unclear. However, the appropriateness of self-reported depression scales has been widely examined. Given somatic symptom overlap between depression and MS, research emphasises caution when using such scales.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluates symptom overlap between anxiety and MS in a group of 33 individuals with MS, using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants underwent a neurological examination and completed the BAI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A novel procedure using hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three distinct symptom clusters. Cluster one ('wobbliness' and 'unsteady') grouped separately from all other BAI items. These symptoms are well-recognised MS-related symptoms and we question whether their endorsement in pwMS can be considered to reflect anxiety. A modified 19-item BAI (mBAI) was created which excludes cluster one items. This removal reduced the number of MS participants considered 'anxious' by 21.21% (low threshold) and altered the level of anxiety severity for a further 27.27%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these data, it is suggested that, as with depression measures, researchers and clinicians should exercise caution when using brief screening measures for anxiety in pwMS.
authors: School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Seán
authors: S
authors: Ó Donnchadha
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Burke
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Bramham
authors: Marie Claire
authors: MC
authors: O'Brien
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Whelan
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Reilly
authors: Hanni
authors: H
authors: Kiiski
authors: Róisín
authors: R
authors: Lonergan
authors: Katie
authors: K
authors: Kinsella
authors: Siobhán
authors: S
authors: Kelly
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: McGuigan
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Hutchinson
authors: Niall
authors: N
authors: Tubridy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Beck Anxiety Inventory; Multiple sclerosis; anxiety; neuropsychology; symptom overlap