Psychosomatics 22: 117-127, 1981
Copyright
© 1981 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
Emotional responses to multiple sclerosis
ROGER M. BARETZ M.D.1, and
GEORGE R. STEPHENSON Ph.D.2
1 Attending psychiatrist at Helen Hayes Hospital
2 Consulting psychologist at Helen Hayes Hospital
Reporting on a pilot study, the authors describe the emotional reactions of 40 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) and analyze their findings. The majority of patients evidenced concealed depression; overt depression was the second most predominant reaction. Although MS patients have previously been characterized as euphoric, this study did not show them to have a high rate of elevated moods. With progression of the disease, overt depression tended to increase, while denial seemed to decrease. Helping the MS patient cope with depression should be a major therapeutic goal.
