Experiences of adjusting to early stage Multiple Sclerosis

TY - JOUR

T1 - Experiences of adjusting to early stage Multiple Sclerosis

AU - Dennison, Laura

AU - Yardley, Lucy

AU - Devereux, Angela

AU - Moss-Morris, Rona

PY - 2011/4

Y1 - 2011/4

N2 - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, unpredictable neurological disease. Little research has examined adjustment to living with MS, especially within early disease stages. We interviewed 30 people with early stage MS and analysed transcripts using thematic analysis. Early stage MS was typically considered difficult but manageable and was dealt with through positivity and practical strategies to preserve normal life. However, adjustment seemed precariously contingent on reasonable current and future health status. Participants described disinclination towards involvement in the stigmatized world of MS. Findings have implications for sensitive services for people with MS and question acceptance as a marker of appropriate adaptation.

AB - Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, unpredictable neurological disease. Little research has examined adjustment to living with MS, especially within early disease stages. We interviewed 30 people with early stage MS and analysed transcripts using thematic analysis. Early stage MS was typically considered difficult but manageable and was dealt with through positivity and practical strategies to preserve normal life. However, adjustment seemed precariously contingent on reasonable current and future health status. Participants described disinclination towards involvement in the stigmatized world of MS. Findings have implications for sensitive services for people with MS and question acceptance as a marker of appropriate adaptation.

U2 - 10.1177/1359105310384299

DO - 10.1177/1359105310384299

M3 - Article

VL - 16

SP - 478

EP - 488

JO - Journal of Health Psychology

JF - Journal of Health Psychology

IS - 3

ER -