F-3-08-01
SELF AND BODY ESTEEM PERCEPTION IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Y. Barak, Y. Lampl, I. Satova - Pinchas, A. Achiron.
Yehuda Abarbanel Mental Health Center, and MS Center, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Purpose: Self and body esteem were examined in 35 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using the Body Esteem Scale (BES) and the Eysenck Self Esteem Scale (ESES) and compared to age and sex matched normal controls.
Methods: There were 23 females and 12 males in the MS patient's group; average age 38.9 years (range: 22-62). The self-rated BES evaluated the following subscales: females - sexual attractiveness, physical condition and weight concerns; males - physical attractiveness, physical condition and upper body strength. In addition all participants were scored, following a semi-structured interview, on the ESES. semi-structured interview by the consulting psychiatrist.
Results: Statistical analysis, comparing patients to health controls, demonstrated lowered self-rating of the physical condition (P males<0.05, P females<0.001). No significant differences were found in the physical (male) or sexual (female) - attractiveness subscales. The mean ESES score in the patients group was 23.2 +- 4.0, slightly above the reported average. The controls mean ESES was 28.4 +- 3.6, (P<0.05). No correlation was found between self and body esteem amongst MS patients.
Conclusions: This study emphasizes impaired perception of body esteem in MS. The preservation of physical and sexual attractiveness may be related to the non-disfiguring nature of the disease. Preservation of self-esteem in MS patients suggests that body-esteem should be the focus of supportive treatment.
F-3-08-02
DISABILITY IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Meeta D. Peer, M.D. (Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA)
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating neurological disease with an unpredictable clinical course and functional disability. There are approximately one and one-half million patients with multiple sclerosis in the world, and 500,000 residing in the United States of America.
The etiology and pathogenesis of M.S. are still unknown and therefore, treatment is aimed at specific disease processes and functional disability.
Combinations of neurological, functional and emotional impairment in each M.S. patient varies from time to time during the patient's clinical course; therefore, functional deficits are unpredictable for the M.S. patient. Comprehensive management of multiple sclerosis is extremely crucial to reduce the impact of progressive disability. Almost all multiple sclerosis patients, regardless of their physical disability, can achieve highest functional level.
Rehabilitation of M.S. patients provides a continuing challenge. Advanced diagnostic technology, new drug treatment, and providing continuous rehabilitation has definitely improved the quality of life and reduced the effect of disabilities which affect the patient's entire life.
In conclusion, management of M.S. and disability is both truly international and multidisciplinary in its clinical and rehab approaches in reducing the impact of the disease in the whole world.
