Relation between anxiety, depression and locus of control of patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This study was concerned with examining relation between anxiety, depression and locus of control (LC) in Croatian multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in order to determine an indication for psychotherapeutic intervention. The participants were 457 MS patients attending central state medical rehabilitation program at Varaždinske Toplice, asked to fill in the locus of control inventory and Crown-Crisp Experiential Index (CCEI) questioner of personality in the clinical setting. In order to determine whether locus of control changes along natural course of MS, patients were grouped according to the duration of the disease: less than five years, five to 10 years and more than 10 years. The results demonstrated that 405 (88.6%) MS patients exhibited external locus of control while 52 (11.4%) had internal locus of control. Moreover, as the disease progressed, locus of control shifted more to externality. Analysis of gathered data confirms connectivity of external locus of control with anxiety and depression. Results of anxiety and depression level on CCEI questionnaire show continuously increased values regardless on duration of illness. Croatian MS patients like other chronically ill externally oriented patients' show more maladaptive behaviour, which has been strongly linked to anxiety and depression and this, is indication for psychotherapeutic support. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1065—1067. http://msj.sagepub.com