Helping Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients Manage Their Psychosocial and Cognitive Symptoms
by Darcy Cox, PsyD, RPsych, ABPP-CN 4 CE Credits
Description:
This course reviews the etiology, epidemiology, and presentation of cognitive and psychological symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS), a disabling autoimmune disorder impacting 400,000 patients in the United States. The psychological symptoms associated with MS can be significant, with roughly half of patients experiencing cognitive dysfunction secondary to the disease, and a point-prevalence rate of 20% for major depressive episodes. Depression, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and physical disability all contribute to reduced quality-of-life in patients with MS, and need to be effectively managed by the patient and medical treatment teams. Treatment strategies for these symptoms, including behavioral, pharmacological, and lifestyle interventions are reviewed.
Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, health professionals will be able to:
- Identify the three major diseases courses within the MS context.
- Discuss the presentation, course, and risk for two concomitant psychological symptoms of MS, namely major depressive disorder and cognitive disorders.
- Describe the two recommended assessment strategies associated with diagnosing depression and cognitive dysfunction in this population.
- Identify three prominent treatment approaches (i.e., psychopharmacological, behavioral, and lifestyle changes) to facilitate improved quality of life for patients with MS.
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