How Can I Deal With Stress
Nobody can say what will be stressful for another person, and people have individual ways of dealing with stressful situations.
It might not be possible to remove all of the sources of stress in your life, but it may be possible to manage your own stress by changing the way you think about it, or reducing some of the stressful elements. There are techniques you can learn to help you cope better with stress and develop healthier habits of thinking. These may take time to have an effect.
There are three stages in stress management:
- Recognise the effect stress is having on your health.
- Identify what is causing you stress.
- Take action to remove or reduce the cause of stress.
Ideas to help you deal with stress:
How Ms Is Linked To Anxiety
Multiple sclerosis can trigger anxiety within the brain itself. But the actual reason that MS tends to do this is simply because the disease is scary, which may lead to problematic thinking patterns and negative emotions. Many of those with MS have frightening symptoms and recurrent, relapsing, progressively worse MS.
That’s something very important to keep in mind. Developing anxiety is normal with MS simply because MS is a frightening disease. Anxiety is a response to danger, and MS makes that anxiety warranted, which makes it harder to control.
However, MS can also cause anxiety and depression as a result of the illness itself. MS is linked to inflammation in various parts of the brain, and when the brain experiences damage and stress, it’s not uncommon for a person to experience anxiety. Depending on where the inflammation occurs, it may also provoke panic attacks as well.
In addition, the symptoms of MS can be triggers for those that already have anxiety. Panic disorder is a pertinent example. Many people with panic disorder have panic attacks as result of changes in their body’s sensations, and MS can cause changes in sensations that trigger panic attacks. While MS isn’t technically causing the panic attacks directly, it’s creating an environment that makes them far more likely.
All of these are the reasons that anxiety is a common condition for those with MS.
Multiple Regression And Permutation Testing
In the present study, several effects and associations were analyzed using linear multiple regression and permutation testing. Specifically, we used this technique to analyze group differences in cognitive load, task performance, changes in psychophysiological stress response variables, and brain volume . In these analyses, a dichotomous group membership vector served as covariate of interest. Moreover, the technique was used to analyze the associations between the following covariates of interest and criteria: cognitive load and task performance cognitive load and stress response variables and fatigue and disability-related activity .
In all analyses, a constant term and the mean-centered factors gender and age were used as covariates of no interest. In analyses of group differences in psychophysiological stress-response variables, the average intertrial interval for each participant during the last 8 min of stage IVb was used as an additional covariate of no interest.
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Sexual Function And Ms
Sexual dysfunction is common in MS. It can be directly related to MS from brain or spinal cord lesions, or more indirectly related due to other MS symptoms such as depression and fatigue, or from wider relationship and social issues stemming from MS.
Although a difficult area to talk to your health professional about, it is an important area to maintain your quality of life and self-confidence. There are many avenues of help available from physical to psychological and your GP, MS nurse or neurologist can point you in the right direction for the most appropriate assessment and assistance.
What Is The Prognosis For People With Multiple Sclerosis
In some cases, multiple sclerosis does lead to disability and loss of some physical or mental function. But thanks to advances in treatment, most people with MS will continue to lead full, active and productive lives. Taking steps to manage your health and lifestyle can help improve your long-term outcome.
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What Are Other Ms Triggers
A flare is when MS symptoms get worse or new symptoms develop that last at least 24 to 48 hours. The following triggers have been associated with MS flares:
- Overheating. Anything that causes your body temperature to rise can trigger a flare. Do your best to avoid spending too much time in the direct sun. Avoid saunas or hot tubs.
- Illness or infection. Getting sick can trigger MS symptoms. Wash your hands often, practice safe food handling, and get your annual flu shot to help you stay healthy and keep flares at bay.
- Changes in medication. An MS flare is more likely to occur when theres a change in the type or dose of your medication. Make sure you understand exactly how to take your medication. Ask your doctor if youre unsure about any changes to your treatment plan.
- Smoking. Smoking is associated with faster progression of MS. If you smoke, its never too late to cut down or quit. Ask your doctor for support if youre ready to quit.
Being aware of your MS triggers can help you take steps to prevent them. But its important to remember that not all flares are preventable, and theyre not your fault.
Mental Health And Multiple Sclerosis
If you have multiple sclerosis , you may look completely fine to your loved ones and colleagues.
Meanwhile, your vision may be so blurry you canât see your computer screen clearly. Or you have trouble socializing because the entire right side of your body is numb or tingling.
âJust imagine how distracting something like that is,â says Sharon Stoll, DO, a neurologist with Yale Medicine who specializes in MS.
Itâs easy to see how these changes can affect your mental health. But MS can affect your mood for a mix of reasons, including changes spurred by the disease process.
Mental health issues are treatable no matter whatâs causing them. You may need medication or talk therapy. Work with your doctor to find whatâs best for you.
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Dont Be Afraid To Talk To Your Doctor
If you have MS and think you may have depression, anxiety or pseudobulbar affect, talk to your primary care physician about your symptoms. They can refer you to a rehabilitation psychologist specializing in MS or another specialist who can help.
If you are a support partner of someone with MS, watch for signs of depression and anxiety both in your loved one and in yourself. They may not always be obvious and can often look like irritability, anger or a growing detachment from social life.
#TomorrowsDiscoveries: How the Brain Processes Incentives and Rewards | Vikram S. Chib, Ph.D.
What Happens In Multiple Sclerosis
MS is an autoimmune condition, which means your immune system mistakes part of your body for a foreign substance and attacks it.
In the case of MS, it attacks the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord.
This is the layer that surrounds your nerves, protecting them and helping electrical signals travel from the brain to the rest of the body.
The attacks cause the myelin sheath to become inflamed in small patches , which can be seen on an MRI scan.
These patches of inflammation can disrupt the messages travelling along the nerves.
It can slow them down, jumble them, send them the wrong way, or stop them getting through completely.
This disruption leads to the symptoms and signs of MS.
When the inflammation goes away, it can leave behind scarring of the myelin sheath .
These attacks, particularly if frequent and repeated, can eventually lead to permanent damage to the underlying nerves.
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How To Manage Ms Fatigue
It can be useful to learn to recognise the early signs of fatigue and how it affects you. Likewise, talking with family, friends and/or colleagues may help them understand any limitations.
MS fatigue often results from secondary factors, such as co-existing medical conditions, poor diet, lack of fitness or sleep, medication side effects, stress, depression, hormonal changes or heat sensitivity. Identifying any contributing factors, should help you to develop a tailored management plan.
Fatigue management strategies include:
- Stay active exercises to increase your stamina and strength may be useful.
- Monitor sleep patterns and address any issues.
- Manage other contributing MS symptoms, such as depression.
- Rest/take breaks.
- Vary heavy with lighter tasks for example, if you have more fatigue in the afternoon, do harder jobs in the morning.
Distinguishing Pseudobulbar Affect From Other Conditions
Pseudobulbar affect can sometimes be confused with conditions such as depression, mood swings and bipolar disorder. The inappropriate outbursts of emotion can also be a source of embarrassment and anxiety.
Its important to have this condition properly diagnosed because, unlike depression or anxiety, it cant be treated with talk therapy or counseling. Certain antidepressants or a specially manufactured drug targeting a certain chemical in your nervous system can be used to treat pseudobulbar affect.
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What Can Trigger Multiple Sclerosis
MS experts are unsure of the cause of MS, but no one knows for sure. Based on their investigation, the condition can be classified as primarily a result of four primary factors: an immune system, genetics, environment, or infection of the cells. In addition to smoking, obesity and MS are other risk factors.
Ms Inflammation And Stress
Autoimmunity, in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin around the nerves on the brain and spinal cord, is a component of MS.
Some research suggests that early stages of this inflammation may cause changes in the brain’s function that produce a state of anxiety. Put another way, physiological changes that result from MS can give birth to feelings of stress all on their own, which can compound stress experienced because of external factors, like daily challenges.
Stress has long been associated with MS exacerbations. It isn’t completely clear whether stress actually causes exacerbations, or whether you may become more anxious than usual because of the physical changes that occur before an exacerbation has its peak impact.
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Can People With Ms Drink Energy Drinks
Multiple sclerosis treatment may produce increased levels of neuronal production through the use of lysergic acid. Nature Chemical Biology has published a study indicating that melatonin an amino acid commonly found in energy drinks and supplements may contribute to the effectiveness of MS treatments in the current environment.
Top 10 Possible Causes Of Multiple Sclerosis
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
Although in general doctors are baffled at the exact causes of multiple sclerosis , there are certain factors that lead to the chronic and progressive disease. Multiple sclerosis damages the myelin sheath in the central nervous system . In people with MS, once the myelin sheath deteriorates, nerve function is lost. In turn, the body will attack other parts of the CNS, including the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord.
People who suffer from multiple sclerosis dont have it easy. Many of the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis include deep fatigue and weakness, numbness and tingling, dizziness and balance problems, cognitive problems, vision issues, pain, bladder problems, bowel problems, depression, tremors and seizures, hearing loss, and speech problems.
Multiple sclerosis is considered a rare condition, but it is one of the more common neurological diseases. It is estimated that 250,000 and 350,000 Americans suffer from multiple sclerosis. There are about 200 new MS cases every week in the U.S.
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What Causes Multiple Sclerosis
Experts still dont know for sure what causes multiple sclerosis. Research is ongoing to help identify what causes the disease. Factors that may trigger MS include:
- Exposure to certain viruses or bacteria: Some research suggests that being exposed to certain infections can trigger MS later in life.
- Where you live: Your environment may play a role in your risk for developing MS. Certain parts of the world have significantly higher rates of the disease than others. Areas farther from the equator have higher rates of MS. That may be because these regions receive less intense sun. People who get less sun have lower levels of vitamin D, a risk factor for developing MS.
- How your immune system functions: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. Researchers are working to figure out what causes some peoples immune cells to mistakenly attack healthy cells.
- Gene mutations: Having a family member with MS does increase your risk of the disease. But its still unclear exactly how and which genes play a role in triggering multiple sclerosis.
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- How do we know for sure that I have multiple sclerosis and not another neurological condition?
- Do I need to start taking disease-modifying therapy medication?
- What are the benefits and risks of various DMTs?
- Will I need to stay on medication for the rest of my life?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to help manage MS?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system . It is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune cells to mistakenly attack your healthy nerve cells. These attacks lead to inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that covers and protects your nerve cells. This damage causes neurological symptoms such as loss of balance, vision problems and muscle weakness. Several effective treatments exist for MS. These medications reduce relapses and help slow the progression of the disease. Most people with MS are able to manage their symptoms and lead full, active lives.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/10/2021.
References
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Multiple Sclerosis Risk Factors
There are also other risk factors that can lead to the development of multiple sclerosis. It is also thought that people living in a high-risk area also increase their risk if they live there before the age of 15. On the other hand, those that move to a high-risk area after age 15 appear to have a lower risk of MS.
There is also a link between the month of birth and the risk of multiple sclerosis, according to various population studies. The research found a greater risk of MS in births after May, and a lower risk of MS in those born after October. It is also interesting that when the mother has low vitamin D levels during the winter months there is a higher risk of MS, but there is a lower risk when vitamin D is high during the summer months.
Causes Of Multiple Sclerosis
It’s not clear what causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath.
It seems likely that it’s partly caused by genes you inherit from your parents and partly by outside factors that may trigger the condition.
Some of the factors that have been suggested as possible causes of MS include:
- your genes MS isn’t directly inherited, but people who are related to someone with the condition are more likely to develop it the chance of a sibling or child of someone with MS also developing it is estimated to be around 2 to 3%
- lack of sunlight and vitamin D MS is more common in countries far from the equator, which could mean that a lack of sunlight and low vitamin D levels may play a role in the condition, although it’s not clear whether vitamin D supplements can help prevent MS
- smoking people who smoke are about twice as likely to develop MS compared with those who don’t smoke
- teenage obesity people who were obese during their teenage years have an increased risk of developing MS
- viral infections it’s been suggested that infections, particularly those caused by the Epstein-Barr virus , might trigger the immune system, leading to MS in some people
- being female women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop MS than men the reason for this is unclear
Further research is needed to understand more about why MS occurs and whether anything can be done to prevent it.
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Demographic And Clinical Participant Characteristics
Twenty-two of thirty-six patients and 13 of 21 controls were female . Twenty-one of thirty-six patients and 16 of 21 controls had at least a high school diploma . The mean age of patients was 47.4 y and of controls was 49.1 y . Eight of 36 patients were treated with fumarate, 7 with -interferons, 7 with glatiramer acetate, 6 with fingolimod, and finally 2 with teriflunomide. For a subgroup of 22 patients, a T2-weighted brain MRI scan acquired within a time period of roughly 1 y before participation in our study was available . Comparing these images with T2w images acquired during study participation revealed that only 7 of 22 patients had developed new lesions in this period . Consistently, the median number of days since the end of the last relapse across all 36 patients was 654 d . Together, these findings suggest that disease activity at or around the time of our study was fairly small. See and for further patient characteristics.
The association between fast neural stress responses and brain volume. The brain slices depict coordinates with a positive link of stress-induced brain activity and GMF in patients surrounding the peak coordinate identified in fMRI analysis 4a . The scatterplot illustrates the association of GMF and stress-induced brain activity at MNI coordinates 42, 61, 22 for patients and the association between activity and GMF at MNI coordinates 45, 61, 22 in controls. The corresponding results for WMF identified in fMRI analysis 4b.
