Do positive or negative stressful events predict the development of new brain lesions in people with multiple sclerosis?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stressful life events have long been suspected to contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity. The few studies examining the relationship between stressful events and neuroimaging markers have been small and inconsistent. This study examined whether different types of stressful events and perceived stress could predict the development of brain lesions.

Method

This was a secondary analysis of 121 patients with MS followed for 48 weeks during a randomized controlled trial comparing stress management therapy for MS (SMT-MS) to a waitlist control (WLC). Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans every 8 weeks. Every month, patients completed an interview measure assessing stressful life events and self-report measures of perceived stress, anx

SUBMITTER: Burns MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4123859 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature