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Journal of Health Psychology
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The Psychosocial Impact of Spasticityrelated Problems for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Focus Group Study

Paula Nicolson

University of Sheffield, School for Health and Related Research, Sheffield, UK

Pippa Anderson

Fourth Hurdle Consulting Ltd, London, UK

This focus group, qualitative study (N = 18) reports the psychosocial impact, specifically, of spasticity symptoms on a sample of people with MS (multiple sclerosis). MS, a chronic disabling disease which attacks the central nervous system, currently affects about 100,000 people in the UK and estimates indicate that worldwide prevalence varies from around 10 to 250 per 100,000. The cause remains unknown and the rate of disease progression varies among individuals. The disease of MS itself has a severe impact on psychological well-being and quality of life. However, there is little evidence about the additional impact of the spasticity-related symptoms, which include involuntary muscle contractions, loss of dexterity, loss of balance, incontinence and pain. These are shown here to lead to further distress and embarrassment and to have a detrimental influence on emotional and social relationships.

Key Words: focus groups • MS (multiple sclerosis) • psychosocial impact • qualitative psychology • quality of life • spasticity

Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 6, No. 5, 551-567 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/135910530100600508
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[Abstract] [PDF]