Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence that points to an important role for modification of lifestyle factors and promotion of health-related quality of life in the secondary prevention of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (D’Hooghe et al., 2010; Weiland et al., 2014; Hadgkiss et al., 2015). As a clinical psychologist diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012 I have gained a unique insight into ways in which people living with MS and clinicians can usefully integrate evidence-based lifestyle modifications that enhance self-efficacy and self-management to improve wider psychological and physical health. The framework presented here enables clinicians to engage in salutogenic health promotion by placing value upon the importance of healthy, evidence-based behavior change. Furthermore, the framework provides a structure which can empower and provide guidance for people living with MS on what and how to implement and sustain behavior change and emotional wellbeing in the face of this life-changing diagnosis.
Highlights
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system and it is most frequently diagnosed in young adulthood
It was not until I was diagnosed with MS, in 2012 that I was able to experience for myself the lack of information and encouragement patients receive in relation to making the lifestyle changes research suggests could benefit their symptoms and disease progression
Receiving a life-changing diagnosis like MS can lead some individuals to reprioritize and to consider practical changes to their life to make it more fulfilling (Tedeschi and Calhoun, 2006). Such changes in outlook provide opportunity for people to reconnect to the purpose and meaning in their life; resulting in more opportunities for meaningful connection and the positive, protective experience of “flow.” Contact with health care professionals often provides an opportunity to reflect upon the psychosocial impact of diagnosis and life with a chronic condition, and currently opportunities are missed to acknowledge and validate the health benefits of making such changes which would undoubtedly reinforce their impact and empower patients
Summary
Reviewed by: Eleonora Volpato, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus (IRCCS), Italy Antonio Iudici, University of Padova, Italy. There is a growing body of evidence that points to an important role for modification of lifestyle factors and promotion of health-related quality of life in the secondary prevention of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (D’Hooghe et al, 2010; Weiland et al, 2014; Hadgkiss et al, 2015). As a clinical psychologist diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012 I have gained a unique insight into ways in which people living with MS and clinicians can usefully integrate evidence-based lifestyle modifications that enhance selfefficacy and self-management to improve wider psychological and physical health. The framework presented here enables clinicians to engage in salutogenic health promotion by placing value upon the importance of healthy, evidence-based behavior change.
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