Evaluation of the Opinion of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis on the Outcomes of Catching COVID-19 and Its Effects on the MS Symptoms

Abstract

To assess the opinion of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the outcomes of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) and its effects on MS symptoms if they catch coronavirus. A cross-sectional study was performed. Methods: Considering the study objectives, a questionnaire was designed and prepared as a Google Form for MS patients for one week. Results: A total of 148 MS patients with an average age of 35.73 years completed the questionnaire. The most important concern of the participants was "a high prevalence of COVID-19" following by the "MS symptoms worsening". Many participants (35%) believed that, if they catch COVID-19 they will be cured. However, the treatment will take more time for them in comparison with the general population. About 39.8% of the patients stated that COVID-19 infection does not affect the MS symptom, but others noted that, it can cause relapse (30.8%) or worsen MS symptoms (29.3%). Conclusion: This study revealed that MS patients are more anxious about the effects of COVID-19 on their underlying disease rather than the infection itself.

COVID-19 and disease-modifying therapies in patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system: A systematic review

“…Many studies have assessed the psychological and neuropsychiatric impact of the pandemic on MS patients. ( Zhang et al, 2020 ) Sleep deprivation and a higher rate of depression and anxiety were seen in association with concerns for possible risk of infection, worsening of the underlying diseases, social isolation, difficulties in drug availability, access to health centers, and worries about the economic downturn ( Naser Moghadasi, 2020 , Salama et al, 2020 , Seery et al, 2020 , Demir et al, 2020 , Rezaeimanesh et al, 2020 , Tomczak and Han, 2020 , Stojanov et al, 2020 ). These elements can influence a patient's attitude about continuing their DMTs during the pandemic.…”

“…( Salama et al, 2020 , Seery et al, 2020 ) In some studies, it was even reported that patients were more anxious about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on their underlying disease rather than the infection itself. ( Rezaeimanesh et al, 2020 ) One study reported the worsening of neurological symptoms due to pandemic-related stress among NMOSD patients. ( Tomczak and Han, 2020 )…”

The COVID-19 Pandemic Experience in Multiple Sclerosis: The Good, the Bad and the Neutral

“…The prevalence of anxiety (22%) is disproportionately higher in people with MS than the general population [ 2 ]. It may therefore be expected that heightened levels of anxiety [ 3 ] and higher levels of MS-related concerns [ 4 ] may be reported during the current COVID-19 pandemic, in particular worries that cause concern about MS and a future living with it in the context of COVID-19 being those that have the strongest impact on the current pandemic experience [ 5 ].…”

Fear of relapse, social support, and psychological well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress level) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic stage

“…A recent study which was conducted in Iran showed that nearly one-third of MS patients were worried about COVID-related relapses during the pandemic stage [ 24 ] which may exacerbate their psychological disturbances. An Italian study showed that nearly 50% of MS patients suffered from moderate-to-severe anxiety during the pandemic stage [ 25 ].…”