Quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is manifested with a variety of symptoms and function deficits, which eventually lead to impairment and handicap. These symptoms contribute to the loss of independence, restrict the participation in social activities and are often responsible for the continuing decline in quality of life of these patients. The aim of this study was to examine the problems that derive from the illness and influence negatively the quality of life. The method οf this study included bibliography research from both the review and the research literature, mainly during the last five 5 years and referred to the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis. Most research focus on psychopathological manifestations of patients and report that the main factors which are responsible for the poor quality of life of these patients are the decline of cognitive function, depression, reduction of mobility, diagnosis stress, disability for any kind of occupation, the cost of therapy, isolation because of the disease, the lack of support and understanding from the environment as well as the bladder dysfunction. Furthermore, the quality of life is influenced negatively by the sexual dysfunction, which is a result of organic and emotional disorders. The patients with multiple sclerosis must be treated systematically and with the cooperation of the whole scientific group in order to readily detect the resulting organic, emotional and social problems, of the patients aiming at the maintenance and promotion of the quality of their life.

Category: Volume 45, N 2
Hits: 355 Hits
Created Date: 15-06-2006
Authors: Maria Polikandrioti , Eleni Kyritsi