Experience of Identity Change in People Who Reported a Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

CME/CNE Information Activity Available Online: To access the article, post-test, and evaluation online, go to http://www.cmscscholar.org. Target Audience: The target audience for this activity is physicians, physician assistants, nursing professionals, and other health care providers involved in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Learning Objectives: Accreditation Statement: In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and Delaware Media Group. The CMSC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Physician Credit The CMSC designates this journal-based activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Nurse Credit The CMSC designates this enduring material for 1.0 contact hour (none in the area of pharmacology). Disclosures: Editor in Chief of the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC), has served as physician planner for this activity. He has disclosed relationships with Springer Publishing (royalty); Qr8 (receipt of intellectual property rights/patent holder); Abide Therapeutics, GW Pharma (consulting fee); Biogen (speakers' bureau); and Adamas Pharmaceuticals (contracted research).Francois Bethoux, MD, has served as reviewer for this activity. She has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.Laurie Scudder, DNP, NP, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.Alexander B. Barker, PhD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.Kathryn Smale, PhD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.Nigel Hunt, PhD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.Nadina B. Lincoln, PhD, has disclosed a relationship with Biogen and Novartis (speakers' bureau).Roshan das Nair, PhD, The peer reviewers for IJMSC have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. The staff at IJMSC, CMSC, and Delaware Media Group who are in a position to influence content have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Note: Financial relationships for some authors may have changed in the interval between listing these disclosures and publication of the article. Method of Participation: Release Date: October 1, 2019 Valid for Credit Through: October 1, 2020 In order to receive CME/CNE credit, participants must: Statements of Credit are awarded upon successful completion of the post-test with a passing score of >70% and the evaluation. There is no fee to participate in this activity. Disclosure of Unlabeled Use: This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not approved by the FDA. CMSC and Delaware Media Group do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications. The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of CMSC or Delaware Media Group. Disclaimer: Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any medications, diagnostic procedures, or treatments discussed in this publication should not be used by clinicians or other health-care professionals without first evaluating their patients' conditions, considering possible contraindications or risks, reviewing any applicable manufacturer's product information, and comparing any therapeutic approach with the recommendations of other authorities.

Dignity of patients with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative descriptive study

“…Understanding and empathy from family and friends were often mentioned as invaluable factors for coping with the illness (Ghafari et al, 2015). In the context of social relationships, it is important to emphasize that stigmatization of people with MS negatively affects the process of acceptance of the illness and undermines patient dignity and identity (Barker et al, 2019).…”

Sex effects across the lifespan in women with multiple sclerosis

“…Moreover, they may feel guilty and fearful of unforeseen consequences, 244,245 even though MS has negligible impact on pregnancy and vice versa. 240 They may conceal their desires and their condition, 242,246 or discontinue treatment. This fear and stigma may have greater impact on quality of life of prospective parents than the actual disease.…”

Dating with a Diagnosis: The Lived Experience of People with Multiple Sclerosis

“…In the current study, it is clear that they thought it was important for them to be comfortable with their own diagnosis before they went through the process of disclosure with others. People with MS incorporate their diagnosis into their identity, but it takes time [33]. This process can have a positive impact on mood and happens more easily when the diagnosis itself is not stigmatized [33], which was not the experience of the participants in the current study.…”

“…People with MS incorporate their diagnosis into their identity, but it takes time [33]. This process can have a positive impact on mood and happens more easily when the diagnosis itself is not stigmatized [33], which was not the experience of the participants in the current study. Participants spoke about how it can be exhausting to go through the process multiple times with different people.…”