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Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis
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Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis

A special issue of Sclerosis (ISSN 2813-3064).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 8167

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Pasquale Calabrese

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neurology Unit, Division of Molecular and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Birmannsgasse 8, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
Interests: multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s disease; dementia; depression; stress and cognition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic neurologic conditions affecting young adults. MS can present with a variety of sensorimotor as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms, including fatigue. The latter symptoms occasionally may mark the first presentation of MS. Due to this plethora of symptoms, MS has a serious impact on quality of life. Thus, neuropsychiatric comorbidity secondary to MS is becoming an important issue in the MS medical care, and therapeutic efforts strongly depend on these dimensions. Moreover, the chronic aspect of the disease, the individual sociodemographic situations and the individual premorbid characteristics, together with the brain impairment itself influence neuropsychiatric symptoms in MS and interact one with another. Hence, it is not a surprise that subjective quality of life in MS is dependent on all of these dimensions. In addition, other disease-related medical factors such as the MS therapy itself, and biographical factors such as environmental, social and personality factors may influence the ability to cope with and react to such neuropsychiatric symptoms.

This Special Issue is open to a range of clinical as well as laboratory papers to cover the broad range of research aimed to elucidate the interrelation between cognitive and neuropsychiatric conditions and their impact on mental health and quality of life in multiple sclerosis. Original high-quality papers and reviews including single-case studies are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Pasquale Calabrese
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sclerosis is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • multiple sclerosis
  • neuropsychiatric symptoms
  • quality of life
  • mental health

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 595 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Relationship between Personality Traits and Clinical Aspects in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
by Cosima Meier, Andreas Edelmann, Marlon Pflüger and Pasquale Calabrese
Sclerosis 2024, 2(3), 266-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/sclerosis2030016 - 15 Sep 2024
Viewed by 242
Abstract
Personality traits significantly impact chronic diseases, affecting disease management, coping strategies, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often exhibit dysfunctional personality traits associated with negative disease outcomes, including personality changes and disorders. Our study explored personality traits [...] Read more.
Personality traits significantly impact chronic diseases, affecting disease management, coping strategies, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often exhibit dysfunctional personality traits associated with negative disease outcomes, including personality changes and disorders. Our study explored personality traits and their connection to clinical aspects and cognitive functioning in MS patients. We used two assessment tools: the NEO-FFI and the Lüscher Color Test, which is based on color preferences. The aim was to investigate the applicability of the Lüscher Color Test in MS patients. The study included 20 participants from the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Cohort. The results showed elevated scores in neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness in MS patients, while there was no effect for extraversion. A significant positive correlation was found between neuroticism and the preference for green-blue color shades, as well as a rejection of orange-reddish color shades in the Lüscher Color Test, indicating avoidance of stimulation and engagement. Another notable positive association was found between openness and the preference for lighter shades in the Lüscher Color Test. Although this relation did not reach the level of statistical significance, it suggests a potential trend. Neuroticism on its own predicted anxiety and fatigue, while the preference for lighter shades in the Lüscher Color Test correlated with EDSS scores. No significant correlations were found between personality traits and cognitive aspects. Despite the limitations of this study, our results highlight the importance of assessing personality traits in MS patients, using either the NEO-FFI or the Lüscher Color Test, to improve treatment strategies and explore emotional conflicts related to the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis)
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9 pages, 553 KiB  
Article
The Cognitive Reserve May Influence Fatigue after Rehabilitation in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Secondary Analysis of the RAGTIME Trial
by Ambra Balzeri, Nicola Lamberti, Andrea Baroni, Nino Basaglia, Antonella Bergonzoni, Franca Stablum, Fabio Manfredini and Sofia Straudi
Sclerosis 2024, 2(2), 108-116; https://doi.org/10.3390/sclerosis2020008 - 29 May 2024
Viewed by 713
Abstract
Cognitive reserve (CR) seems to be an ability to adapt cognitive processes in response to brain disease and may influence rehabilitation outcomes. This is a secondary analysis of the “Robot-Assisted Gait Training versus conventional therapy on mobility in severely disabled progressive MultiplE sclerosis [...] Read more.
Cognitive reserve (CR) seems to be an ability to adapt cognitive processes in response to brain disease and may influence rehabilitation outcomes. This is a secondary analysis of the “Robot-Assisted Gait Training versus conventional therapy on mobility in severely disabled progressive MultiplE sclerosis patients” (RAGTIME) trial to investigate the influence of CR on the outcomes after gait rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). We included 53 PwMS and severe gait disability (EDSS 6–7). The participants were randomized into two groups to receive either robot-assisted gait training or overground walking (three times/week over four weeks). CR was evaluated by the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), which encompasses three sections (CRI Education, CRI Working Activity, and CRI Leisure Time). We stratified the patients using the 115 cut-off CRIq total score of at least a medium-high CR. The outcome measures were Timed 25-Foot Walk, 6 min walking test, Berg Balance Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale—29, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale—12, Patient Health Questionnaire—9, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). After gait rehabilitation, the FSS was significantly improved in those patients with higher CR compared with the others (F = 4.757, p = 0.015). In our study, CR did not affect the gait, balance, disability perception, and depression. Conversely, it positively influenced the fatigue after gait rehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis)
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12 pages, 727 KiB  
Article
Contextual Factors Matter: The Role of Social Support in Work-Related Difficulties and Employment Status in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
by Maria S. Román, Federico M. González, Lara Bardoneschi, Matias Herrera Fernández, Maria B. Eizaguirre, Fernando Cáceres, Ralph H. B. Benedict, Victor M. Rivera and Sandra Vanotti
Sclerosis 2024, 2(1), 65-76; https://doi.org/10.3390/sclerosis2010005 - 5 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1181
Abstract
Background: People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) have reported a higher unemployment rate compared to the general population. The complexity of environmental-contextual factors, such as structural and functional social support, may influence employment status (ES). Objectives: to study the relationship between perceived social support [...] Read more.
Background: People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) have reported a higher unemployment rate compared to the general population. The complexity of environmental-contextual factors, such as structural and functional social support, may influence employment status (ES). Objectives: to study the relationship between perceived social support and ES, assess the effects of potential mediators, and analyze how these predictors influence components of ES, including absenteeism, work harassment, negative work events, and the use of accommodations. Material and Method: 90 PwMS were recruited. A single-visit assessment included: the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), the Buffalo Vocational Monitoring Survey, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), patient-reported outcomes measuring depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), and the EDSS. Results: Sixty-three (70%) of PwMS were employed. Mediation analysis revealed the involvement of BDI-II and SDMT in the relationship between social support and ES. The functional social support of friends had a significant effect on absenteeism and NWEs. Total functional support was related to harassment, while family support had a significant effect on accommodations. Conclusion: These results show that structural and functional social support, in relation to the clinical variables of the disease, increase the probability of employment and a better quality of work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis)
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29 pages, 6198 KiB  
Article
Mapping the Therapeutic Options for Multiple Sclerosis in Brazil: A Comprehensive Analysis
by Chamberttan Souza Desidério, Yago Marcos Pessoa-Gonçalves, Rafael Obata Trevisan, Marlos Aureliano Dias-Sousa, Weslley Guimarães Bovi, Wellington Francisco Rodrigues, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Virmondes Rodrigues Júnior and Carlo José Freire Oliveira
Sclerosis 2024, 2(1), 13-41; https://doi.org/10.3390/sclerosis2010003 - 6 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1837
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In Brazil, there are currently several therapeutic options for the treatment of this condition, with some being distributed free of charge, while others are not included in the list of free [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. In Brazil, there are currently several therapeutic options for the treatment of this condition, with some being distributed free of charge, while others are not included in the list of free medications. The objective of this article is to provide a pharmacoepidemiological analysis of the available medications in the country, covering their mechanisms of action, the historical context of approval and free distribution within the healthcare system, and their geographical distribution of application. Additionally, we discuss the impact of the inclusion of these medications on hospitalization and mortality rates in the country. We hope that this work serves as a resource for healthcare professionals to better understand pharmacoepidemiology and for health policymakers seeking data for the planning of public policies aimed at the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis)
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6 pages, 946 KiB  
Communication
Dissipation of Motor Sleep Inertia and Motor Wake Inertia in Early Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
by Lorenzo Tonetti, Federico Camilli, Sara Giovagnoli, Alessandra Lugaresi and Vincenzo Natale
Sclerosis 2024, 2(1), 1-6; https://doi.org/10.3390/sclerosis2010001 - 26 Dec 2023
Viewed by 816
Abstract
While previous studies have described the time course of the dissipation of motor sleep inertia (around 70 min after wake-up time) and motor wake inertia (around 20 min after bedtime) in healthy controls (HCs), the corresponding knowledge for persons with early relapsing–remitting multiple [...] Read more.
While previous studies have described the time course of the dissipation of motor sleep inertia (around 70 min after wake-up time) and motor wake inertia (around 20 min after bedtime) in healthy controls (HCs), the corresponding knowledge for persons with early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is lacking. To fill in this knowledge gap, we carried out a secondary analysis of previously collected data in 35 persons (24 females; mean age = 31.51 ± 7.74 years) with early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 35 (24 females; mean age = 31.29 ± 8.02) healthy controls (HCs). Each participant wore an actigraphic Micro Motionlogger Watch (Ambulatory Monitoring, Ardlsey, NY, USA) for seven consecutive days. The Functional Linear Modeling statistical framework was adopted to compare the dissipation of motor sleep inertia as well as motor wake inertia between RRMS and HC. As regards motor sleep inertia, no significant differences in motor activity were observed in the first 70 min after the wake-up time; however, with reference to motor wake inertia, the motor activity of RRMS persons was significantly higher than HCs in approximately the first 30 min after bedtime. Despite the small sample size, this pattern of results suggests that the dissipation of motor wake inertia is only slower in persons with RRMS as opposed to HCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis)
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Review

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11 pages, 257 KiB  
Review
Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
by Thomas Gabriel Schreiner, Iustina Mihoc, Ecaterina Grigore and Oliver Daniel Schreiner
Sclerosis 2024, 2(2), 77-87; https://doi.org/10.3390/sclerosis2020006 - 22 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1273
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is one of the most significant burdens among the many neurological complaints in multiple sclerosis patients. Cognitive deficits negatively impact these patients’ quality of life, leading to partial or total loss of several mental functions, such as learning, memory, perception, or [...] Read more.
Cognitive impairment is one of the most significant burdens among the many neurological complaints in multiple sclerosis patients. Cognitive deficits negatively impact these patients’ quality of life, leading to partial or total loss of several mental functions, such as learning, memory, perception, or problem-solving. While the precise mechanisms involved in the onset and evolution of cognitive decline remain unknown, several risk factors have been associated with intellectual disability. With increasing data on this topic in recent years, the main aim of this review is to summarize the most relevant risk factors correlated with cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients. Firstly, the authors demonstrate the importance of mental disability based on epidemiological data from multiple sclerosis patient cohorts. Subsequently, the intensely debated major risk factors for cognitive decline are discussed, with brief insights into the pathophysiology and possible underlying mechanisms. Finally, the authors describe the impact of medication on cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients, highlighting the main research directions for future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis)

Other

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13 pages, 763 KiB  
Systematic Review
Pseudobulbar Affect in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
by Silvia Chiereghin, Giulia Purpura, Anna Riva, Renata Nacinovich and Andrea Eugenio Cavanna
Sclerosis 2024, 2(3), 186-198; https://doi.org/10.3390/sclerosis2030013 - 6 Aug 2024
Viewed by 568
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with a high prevalence of emotional disorders affecting the health-related quality of life of patients and their families. Pseudobulbar affect (PBA), also referred to as pathological laughing and crying, is an under-recognized and under-treated co-morbidity. We conducted a [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with a high prevalence of emotional disorders affecting the health-related quality of life of patients and their families. Pseudobulbar affect (PBA), also referred to as pathological laughing and crying, is an under-recognized and under-treated co-morbidity. We conducted a systematic literature review of 16 studies to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PBA in patients with MS of all ages. Based on conservative figures available from 8/16 studies, the prevalence of PBA in the context of MS was found to range between 2% and 10% (median 10%), with higher percentages in the female population. Possible reasons for the observed variability in the prevalence data include heterogeneity of the diagnostic methodologies and common presence of confounding factors, such as co-morbid affective disorders. The clinical presentation was found to be comparable to that of PBA in the context of other neurological disorders, as it reflected the location of underlying lesions (especially in the brainstem) rather than the associated pathology. Clinicians should be prompted to consider PBA in the differential diagnosis of emotional disorders in the context of MS by using both clinical criteria and psychometric instruments. Further studies should be conducted to develop standardized diagnostic protocols and to optimize therapeutic approaches for the clinical management of this patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropsychiatric and Quality of Life (QoL) Aspects of Multiple Sclerosis)
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