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Depression, coping and level of neurological impairment in multiple sclerosis
Mohr, D. C., Goodkin, D. E., Gatto, N., & Van der Wende, J. (1997). Depression, coping and level of neurological impairment in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 3(4), 254-258. https://doi.org/10.1177/135245859700300408
This study examined the relationship between coping and depression in multiple sclerosis patients, and how that relationship varies at different levels of physical impairment. One-hundred and one patients with clinically definite MS were assessed using the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Ways of Coping Inventory (WCI) with three sub-scales developed by Wineman et al, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depression was significantly higher at more advanced levels of neurologic impairment than at lower levels. Escape-Avoidance and Emotional Respite were positively related to level of depression. Planful Problem-Solving and Cognitive Reframing were negatively related to depression. An interaction between coping, depression, and level of neurologic impairment was observed in which Planful Problem-Solving and Cognitive Reframing were more strongly related to depression at higher levels of impairment. The interaction effect for Escape-Avoidance and Emotional Respite with depression and level of impairment did not reach significance. It was concluded that there is a significant interaction between level of neurologic impairment, coping behaviors, and depression in patients with MS.