Fear of relapse in patients suffering from RRMS influence their quality of life

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects millions of patients worldwide. About 85% experience subtype characterised by relapses and remittance (RRMS). While many studies have investigated factors influencing patients’’ health-related quality life (HRQoL) in RRMS, none taken patients’ fear into account. In this study, we measured the self-reported HRQoL, relapse (FoR), health anxiety (HA), number relapses, duration disease, type medication perceived level side effects. Treating neurologists provided an estimate severity. All covariates demographic (personal disease-related) characteristics were included regression modelling their association with HRQoL. The model showed HRQoL was most strongly associated severity estimated neurologists, which highly correlated duration. However, upon adjustment for FoR (in presence all covariates), between attenuated, remained only covariate significantly Notably, our also revealed significant HA RRMS patients. This study's findings important implications management MS point to critical roles as drivers RRMS. Given importance patient economically, argue more nuanced understanding needed subjective nature its determinants. Interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress should be explored.