Perceived COVID-19 impacts on stress, resilience, and mental health among people with multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal prospective study

Background: Relative to the general population, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses are in greater danger of contracting COVID-19 and for experiencing severe complications. Although it is established that people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are at increased risk for infection and complications due to immunocompromise, use of immunosuppressive therapies, and MS-related comorbidities, there has been relatively little longitudinal research on the psychosocial response of PwMS to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used an online survey to collect data before and during the pandemic. Using self-report measures, we investigated changes in psychological well-being, perceived stress, resilience, anxiety, and depression in response to the pandemic. Results: One hundred thirty-three respondents participated in the study. Participants had significantly increased negative feelings and depression when perceiving higher stress (e.g., irritability, lack of joy) and resilience (e.g., spiritual belief). Conclusions: The pandemic has affected mental health and psychosocial adjustment for PwMS. We found specific pandemic impacts on stress perception, resilience, and mental health. It is valuable to understand the different impacts of the pandemic on PwMS living in the community regarding transactional interpretations of stress, ways to keep resilient, and emotional responses.