Stress Management Interventions for Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disease characterised by an unsteady symptom course. The unpredictable nature of MS can be stressful. Stress, or the inability to cope with real or perceived environmental demands, has also been linked to MS disease onset. It follows that stress reduction is crucial for those diagnosed with this chronic condition. Preliminary evidence supports the effectiveness of stress management interventions for adults with MS, however methodological limitations confound these data. Controlled trials are needed to ascertain which aspects of stress management are most suitable and effective for persons living with MS under which contexts.