Resilience is a construct defined as the capability of positive adaptation despite adversity. In the context of wellness research in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), resilience has been cited as one of the factors that may mediate emotional wellness. In patients with MS there are few studies on resilience and factors correlated with it.
To evaluate resilience in MS patients and its relationship with disability, fatigue, anxiety, depression and cognition.
52 Multiple Sclerosis patients were evaluated in a longitudinal study using Connor-Davidson 25 Resilience Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) for cognition and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
EDSS score (rs= -0.29; p= 0.041), fatigue (r= -0,35; p= 0,012), anxiety (rs= -0.41; p<0.05) and depression (rs= -0.52; p<0.001) were negatively correlated to resilience. Cognition evaluated by SDMT (r= 0,35; p=0,011) and Independence measured by FIM (r= 0.37; p<0.01) were positively correlated to resilience. In multiple regression analyses, depression and cognition were retained as independently factors related to resilience.
Resilience in MS patients could be determined by depression and cognitive status. Seeing beyond physical disability and targeting depression is a possible way to improve resilience and consequently emotional wellness and quality of life in MS patients.