Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease, and it overwhelms individuals who are living with it. As a result, people with MS experience high stress levels or anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most challenging and overlooked psychological effects of people dealing with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Let’s uncover the link between anxiety and Multiple Sclerosis.
The link between Anxiety and MS
The occurrence of anxiety with MS is common. Anxiety is not linked with the disease itself, it occurs because of the psychological consequences of Multiple Sclerosis. Several factors contribute to the occurrence of anxiety with Multiple Sclerosis:
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Psychological changes
The uncertainty of Multiple Sclerosis can develop fear among individuals, leading to a decline in emotional and psychological health.
Anxiety can occur as a response to the impending threat of Multiple Sclerosis. The frightening reality of Multiple Sclerosis can lead to troubled thinking and negative emotions.
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Shared cause
In people with MS, the neurodegenerative processes and dysfunctional immune reactions can cause depression, anxiety, and stress.
The central nervous system is affected in multiple areas because of the attack on the CNS, particularly the myelin sheath, which results in inflammation. This can damage emotional processes overall, causing anxiety and stress.
Cognitive and motor changes in the brain occur in people living with MS. This is due to the lesions created in the brain that result in the loss of brain cells and connections.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
A recent analysis of various studies has shown that 36% of individuals with MS have anxiety disorders. The prevalence rate of anxiety disorders is three times higher in people with MS than in the general population. The occurrence rate of various anxiety disorders with MS is given below:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: 18.6%
- Panic disorder: 10%
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder: 8.6%
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: 5.2%
Multiple factors add to the threat of co-occurring anxiety with MS. These include:
- Age
- Gender
- Lack of social support
Common Symptoms of Anxiety and MS
The symptoms of anxiety and MS can be similar. It is important to look out for the overlapping symptoms.
Physiological symptoms:
| Multiple Sclerosis | Anxiety |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | Weakness / faintness |
| Tingling or numbness | Tingling in fingers or toes |
| Muscle pain | Muscular tension |
| Vertigo or dizziness, illusions of moving surroundings | Dizziness |
| Shortness of breath or Dyspnea | Shortness of breath |
| Muscle pain, including spasms | Muscle ache |
| Bowel problems | Changes in bowel movements |
| Chest pain, also called MS girdle or MS hug | Chest pain and discomfort |
| Dry Mouth or Xerostomia | Dry Mouth |
Psychological symptoms:
| Multiple Sclerosis | Anxiety |
|---|---|
| Changes in mood | Irritability and moodiness |
| Lack of coordination | Changes in coordination |
| Cognitive changes | Difficulty with decision-making, memory, and concentration |
| Negative emotions | Negative emotions like hostility and anger |
Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety with MS
The treatment of anxiety in earlier phases of MS has great significance in later stages of MS. Anxiety is underdiagnosed and inadequately treated in MS.
The following are the ways to reduce the symptoms of anxiety during Multiple Sclerosis:
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is considered the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Various forms of therapy are used to treat anxiety, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance-Commitment Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most efficient therapeutic approach to dealing with anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, for anxiety with Multiple Sclerosis involves identifying the negative thoughts that affect emotions and behaviors and learning to change them into helpful thought patterns.
CBT can help to manage several problematic areas associated with Multiple Sclerosis. These can include dealing with the uncertainty of the disease and the perceived fear, social isolation or withdrawal, and speech difficulties.
CBT can also help with MS fatigue by addressing the underlying causes of fatigue, such as excessive worry.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is based on acceptance and mindfulness and is proven effective for anxiety with Multiple Sclerosis.
Other forms of therapy are also used to treat anxiety, like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), depending on the unique needs of the individual dealing with Multiple Sclerosis.
2. Anxiety Medication
Medications are also widely used to treat anxiety disorders. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the antidepressants most commonly prescribed for anxiety, specifically for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). These anxiety medications include Prozac and Zoloft.
For people with anxiety and Multiple Sclerosis, healthcare providers recommend SNRIs, which are another type of antidepressant. Effexor is one such example. It is also effective in treating neuropathic pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis.
Talk to your healthcare provider before considering any medication to treat your anxiety if you have MS.
3. Exercise
Exercise helps manage anxiety by decreasing muscle tension and increasing the availability of certain neurochemicals, such as serotonin and GABA, to the brain. These chemicals are associated with boosting mood and promoting relaxation.
Exercising provides a diversion from unhelpful thoughts that cause anxiety. For individuals with MS and anxiety, exercise is a great tool to improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue.
4. Quitting Smoking
Smoking worsens the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis and increases anxiety. Studies show that anxiety was lowered with smoking cessation.
Moreover, quitting smoking results in a receding of MS progression, like the deteriorating rate of movement and walking slowed down.
5. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool to help with unregulated thoughts. It is a technique that focuses on non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in the present moment.
Mindfulness techniques are efficient for managing symptoms of MS, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain.
Mindfulness in Motion is an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention. In this intervention method, various mindfulness techniques, such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, and calming music, are used.
This training program has proven effective in improving mental and physical health, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life.
Conclusion
There exists a strong relationship between anxiety and MS. The symptoms of MS and anxiety often overlap, leading to confusion and undertreatment of anxiety. It is important to recognize the symptoms, manage both conditions, and keep physical and mental health optimal.
Multiple Sclerosis Anxiety Treatment can reduce the impact of worsening MS and help cope with anxiety and stress. Strategies to manage anxiety with MS include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
If you or anyone you know is grappling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health disorder, and is looking for the best mental care, Renewed Mental Health Group is the answer. We are committed to providing excellent mental support and care for a healthier state of mind. Call us to book your consultation and start your journey of positive change.
