Impact of cognitive impairment on coping strategies in multiple sclerosis

Objectives: To assess the impact of cognitive impairment (CI) on coping strategies in multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and methods: Sixty-three patients (40 women, 55 relapsing-remitting and 8 secondary progressive, age 42.6 ± 10.1 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.2 ± 1.7) were assessed using the Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences-New Italian version Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery. Results: MS patients were less likely to use positive and problem-focused strategies, whereas avoiding strategies were adopted more frequently. Twenty-three (36.5%) cases were CI. We found no differences in the type of coping between CI and cognitively preserved patients. Scores on the Stroop test (beta = −0.91, p = 0.04) and on the Word List Generation (beta = 1.15, p = 0.04) were associated with poorer coping strategies. Conclusions: Our study suggests that cognitive functioning (in particular on sustained attention and aspects of executive function) must be considered in a comprehensive account of the factors contributing to successful coping in MS patients.