A review of the psychosocial aspects of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The psychosocial aspects of multiple sclerosis are far-reaching and may have devastating effects on individuals and carers alike. Issues such as the impact of uncertainty, the need to maintain hope and control, and a person's ability to adjust his/her lifestyle to the disease progression are highlighted by recent research. The individualized nature of this chronic illness experience makes comprehensive and ongoing assessment crucial. Evidence from practice suggests that the district nurse's contribution to psychosocial support is hindered by poor role definition. Similarly, while the literature acknowledges the benefits of empowerment, difficulties exist in practice. Collaboration between district nurses and clinical nurse specialists is advocated as a means of integrating best practice and clinical knowledge with community expertise. The need for improved research methodology is identified.

Impact of clinical nurse specialists in multiple sclerosis – synthesis of the evidence

“…Knowledge about disease Miller (1997), Robinson et al (1996), Somerset et al (2001), Williamson (2000), Campion (1996aCampion ( , 1996b, Robinson (1991) 3 1 2 6…”

Psychosocial adjustment to multiple sclerosis: exploration of identity redefinition

“…Furthermore, often the attitude towards, and acceptance of, other support on the part of the primary caregiver, usually a close family relation, will change over time [12]. Social and family support has consistently appeared throughout the literature on rehabilitation and adjustment to disability [13] and has been identified a salient factor in an individual's adjustment to MS [9,11,14,15].…”

Fatigue in Japanese people with multiple sclerosis

“…Finally, the difficulty of predicting fatigue (in other words, its uncertainty) made social interaction difficult. The uncertainty that is related to the possible recurrence of MS and the uncertainty of treatment results have been reported by many researchers (Miller, 1997; Williamson, 2000). Many investigators have reported that patients' lives are shaken by relapses and the instability of treatment effects.…”