BACKGROUND: The validity of self-rated anxiety inventories in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is unclear. However, the appropriateness of self-reported depression scales has been widely examined. Given somatic symptom overlap between depression and MS, research emphasises caution when using such scales. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates symptom overlap between anxiety and MS in a group of 33 individuals with MS, using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). METHODS: Participants underwent a neurological examination and completed the BAI. RESULTS: A novel procedure using hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three distinct symptom clusters. Cluster one ('wobbliness' and 'unsteady') grouped separately from all other BAI items. These symptoms are well-recognised MS-related symptoms and we question whether their endorsement in pwMS can be considered to reflect anxiety. A modified 19-item BAI (mBAI) was created which excludes cluster one items. This removal reduced the number of MS participants considered 'anxious' by 21.21% (low threshold) and altered the level of anxiety severity for a further 27.27%. CONCLUSION: Based on these data, it is suggested that, as with depression measures, researchers and clinicians should exercise caution when using brief screening measures for anxiety in pwMS.
BACKGROUND: The validity of self-rated anxiety inventories in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is unclear. However, the appropriateness of self-reported depression scales has been widely examined. Given somatic symptom overlap between depression and MS, research emphasises caution when using such scales. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates symptom overlap between anxiety and MS in a group of 33 individuals with MS, using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). METHODS:Participants underwent a neurological examination and completed the BAI. RESULTS: A novel procedure using hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three distinct symptom clusters. Cluster one ('wobbliness' and 'unsteady') grouped separately from all other BAI items. These symptoms are well-recognised MS-related symptoms and we question whether their endorsement in pwMS can be considered to reflect anxiety. A modified 19-item BAI (mBAI) was created which excludes cluster one items. This removal reduced the number of MS participants considered 'anxious' by 21.21% (low threshold) and altered the level of anxiety severity for a further 27.27%. CONCLUSION: Based on these data, it is suggested that, as with depression measures, researchers and clinicians should exercise caution when using brief screening measures for anxiety in pwMS.
Authors: Narineh Hartoonian; Alexandra L Terrill; Meghan L Beier; Aaron P Turner; Melissa A Day; Kevin N Alschuler Journal: Rehabil Psychol Date: 2014-12-15
Authors: Aaron P Turner; Kevin N Alschuler; Abbey J Hughes; Meghan Beier; Jodie K Haselkorn; Alicia P Sloan; Dawn M Ehde Journal: Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep Date: 2016-12 Impact factor: 5.081
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Authors: Hanni S M Kiiski; Sinéad Ní Riada; Edmund C Lalor; Nuno R Gonçalves; Hugh Nolan; Robert Whelan; Róisín Lonergan; Siobhán Kelly; Marie Claire O'Brien; Katie Kinsella; Jessica Bramham; Teresa Burke; Seán Ó Donnchadha; Michael Hutchinson; Niall Tubridy; Richard B Reilly Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-01-04 Impact factor: 3.240