Prevalence and Correlates of Body Image Dissatisfaction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

The Relationship between Body Image, Disability and Mental Health in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive degenerative disorder that frequently involves the development of physical and emotional changes, including loss of limb function or sensitivity, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive and mood alterations. It is likely that these alterations lead to changes in body aspects. However, knowledge about body image perception in multiple sclerosis is lacking.

PURPOSE

The present study investigated the relationship between body image perception and its correlation with a disability, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and self-esteem.

METHODS

A total of 100 outpatients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis underwent neurological assessment using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Participants also completed the Body Image Scale (BIS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R).

RESULTS

We found a significant positive correlation between body image and disability (r = 0.21; p = 0.03), body image and self-esteem (r = -0.52; p < 0.001), body image and somatization (r = 0.44; p < 0.001), body image and depression (r = 0.57; p < 0.001), and body image and anxiety (r = 0.5; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The body is considered one of the main parts of a person's identity. Dissatisfaction with one's own body changes the general evaluation of the "self". The body image construct has important health outcomes and should be studied more in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on self-esteem and self-efficacy in multiple sclerosis patients: A clinical trial study

BACKGROUND

Low self-esteem and inefficiency are major problems in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. A progressive muscle relaxation technique is one of the complementary therapies. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation techniques on self-esteem and self-efficacy in MS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This clinical trial was conducted on 100 MS patients were randomly divided into two groups of experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50). The experimental group received progressive muscle relaxation techniques in eight 60-min sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and Self-Efficacy Scales of MS patients were completed before, immediately, and 4 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16.

RESULTS

The mean score of self-esteem was not significantly different between the control (26.02 ± 5.83) and experimental (26.40 ± 6.06) groups before intervention (P = 0.247). The mean score of self-esteem in the control group (27.16 ± 7.45) and the experimental group (29.06 ± 6.61) immediately after the intervention (P = 0.083) was not significantly different. 4 weeks after the intervention, the mean scores of self-esteem in the control (26.96 ± 8.33) and the experimental (29.98 ± 7.02) groups were significantly different (P = 0.012). The mean score of self-efficacy was significantly different between the control (41.62 ± 4.46) and experimental (39.32 ± 4.31) groups before intervention (P = 0.010). The mean scores of self-efficacy in the control group (38.38 ± 5.07) and the experimental group (44 ± 4.46) immediately after the intervention (P < 0.001) and 4 weeks after intervention showed a significant difference between the control group (38.04 ± 5.46) and the experimental (46.40 ± 5.04) groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Due to the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on self-esteem and self-efficacy of MS patients, its safety and simplicity, this technique can be used as a complementary therapy to enhance the level of self-esteem and self-efficacy of MS patients.

Sex effects across the lifespan in women with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system disorder that is more common in women, with onset often during reproductive years. The female:male sex ratio of MS rose in several regions over the last century, suggesting a possible sex by environmental interaction increasing MS risk in women. Since many with MS are in their childbearing years, family planning, including contraceptive and disease-modifying therapy (DMT) counselling, are important aspects of MS care in women. While some DMTs are likely harmful to the developing fetus, others can be used shortly before or until pregnancy is confirmed. Overall, pregnancy decreases risk of MS relapses, whereas relapse risk may increase postpartum, although pregnancy does not appear to be harmful for long-term prognosis of MS. However, ovarian aging may contribute to disability progression in women with MS. Here, we review sex effects across the lifespan in women with MS, including the effect of sex on MS susceptibility, effects of pregnancy on MS disease activity, and management strategies around pregnancy, including risks associated with DMT use before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. We also review reproductive aging and sexual dysfunction in women with MS.