Article

The aim of this study was to replicate, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS),
the three-cluster cognitive-behavioral classification proposed by Turk and Rudy.
Sixty-two patients attending a tertiary MS rehabilitation center completed the
Pain Impact Rating questionnaire measuring activity interference, pain intensity,
social support, and emotional distress. The General Health Questionnaire-28 and
the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 assessed disability and restriction in
participation. Cluster analysis classified patients into three
cognitive-behavioral groups (40.4%, 'adaptive copers'; 36.5%, 'dysfunctional';
and 23.1%, 'interpersonally distressed'). Patients in groups with higher levels
of activity interference, emotional distress due to pain, and lower perceived
levels of social support had significantly higher levels of depression on the
General Health Questionnaire-28 (P<0.003), and reported a greater impact on their
physical and psychological functioning (P<0.001) on Multiple Sclerosis Impact
Scale-29 subscales. Possible cut-points were identified to aid clinicians in
classifying patients into clusters for individualized treatment. More research is
needed to improve the understanding of pain and the potential use of
cognitive-behavioral clusters in patients with MS. These may be useful in the
development of tailored early intervention, which may reduce pain-related
disability and contribute to patient's overall well being.

Langue : ANGLAIS