Multiple Sclerosis (Coping Strategies)

Multiple sclerosis is caused by the self triggered allergic reaction that scrubs away the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells, creating plagues and fissures that cause problems with the normal functioning of the central nervous system. As with any chronic illness, being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis has a devastating effect on the lives of people. This degenerative nervous disorder alters the self-perception and self-identity of the individual and seriously compromises his/her relationship with the external world. Disease management is further complicated by the wide array of symptoms and their varying intensity. Symptoms may range from postural imbalance, tremor, weakness, incontinence, visual impairment to progressive decline in cognitive ability and serious disability. The diagnosis creates a stressful experience and coping with the disease particularly during the initial stages can be really frustrating. Let us discuss some important coping strategies for this debilitating disease.

Coping with Cognitive Decline (Psychotherapy)

Decline in cognitive ability is an observed symptom in around 40% to 70% of patients who have multiple sclerosis. Though cognitive decline is a serious problem available data indicate that only 10% of the people manifest acute cognitive degeneration and hence in majority of the people near normal functioning can be maintained. It is important for the patient and the families to realize the possibility of cognitive decline and prepare themselves to handle the situation. Patients may exhibit poor memory and indifferent attitude and the family members have to anticipate, understand and be supportive under the strange circumstances where the interactions and relationship with the person may be not be normal. Since in Multiple Sclerosis flaring up of cognitive symptoms is mainly temporary it would also be helpful from the patient perspective to understand, anticipate it and avoid being...

Cognitive behavioral therapy is very effective in arresting cognitive decline and enabling maximum functionality. Cognitive therapy exercises such as visualization, concentration and retention are excellent for improving cognitive function and must be done in conjunction with pharmacological treatment. Cognitive therapy is particularly effective in treating fatigue and memory loss due to MS. [Stark, Sharon]
Coping with Stress (Group Support)

Stress is an attendant problem when any person is afflicted with a chronic disease such as multiple sclerosis. It is not just the patient who is stressed out but also the immediate family members. The constant fear about the relapse of the disease is in itself a continuous stress factor. Stress management therefore is an integral part of the treatment methods for Multiple Sclerosis. Therapists and treatment providers must take this into consideration and recommend suitable support groups or provide regular counseling sessions for the patients and the family members during the course of the disease. Family members should understand that emotional expressions of the patient serve to relieve the stress. Some patients, especially those who are just diagnosed with the disease may find it hard to receive help from a group network because of the fear of stigma. By involving in group support program it is possible to exchange information pertaining to symptoms, medication, insurance, and all other problems that are commonly shared between the affected people and their families. This network serves not only as a source of information exchange but also serves to relieve the stress of handling the problem alone. [Family Caregiver Alliance]

Coping with Disability

In most of the cases of multiple sclerosis restricted mobility is an attendant condition. This is because the fissures and plagues in the neurons cause motor impairment and spasticity which severely affect mobility. Some patients are not able to…