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Psychosocial Factors in Anxiety and Depression Among Individuals with MS
A study of 272 adults with MS found that anticipated stigma was linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the distress disclosure process appeared to mediate this relationship, suggesting that greater stigma leads to more disclosure, which in turn could lower distress. Importantly, functional disability was only associated with depression.
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This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.
Why it matters
These findings highlight the role of psychological factors like stigma and disclosure in the mental health of MS patients, suggesting potential areas for intervention.
What this does not prove
The study focuses on psychosocial mechanisms, indicating a need for broader understanding beyond just disability influences.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- 272 · Participants included 272 Iranian adults with MS diagnosis (79.4% women; Mage = 42.5 years).
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-23
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceWhen does distress disclosure help? Anticipated stigma and the moderating role of perceived social support in depression and anxiety among individuals with multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.122553
Supporting passages (11)
subjectsMETHODS: In a sample of 272 Iranian adults with MS diagnosis (79.4% women; Mage = 42.5 years), participants completed the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale, Distress Disclosure Index, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Expanded Disability Status Scale.
sample size272
sample size basisMETHODS: In a sample of 272 Iranian adults with MS diagnosis (79.4% women; Mage = 42.5 years), participants completed the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale, Distress Disclosure Index, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Expanded Disability Status Scale.
publication date2026-09-23
interventionThis suggests that interventions may benefit from prioritizing stigma reduction and strategically tailored disclosure, rather than uniformly encouraging openness, to support psychological adjustment.
primary endpointDistress disclosure partially mediated the association between anticipated stigma and anxiety and depression, with higher stigma being associated with greater disclosure, and greater disclosure being associated with lower distress.
findingsRESULTS: Anticipated stigma was positively associated with anxiety and depression, whereas functional disability was positively associated with depression only.
findingsRESULTS: Anticipated stigma was positively associated with anxiety and depression, whereas functional disability was positively associated with depression only.
findingsDistress disclosure partially mediated the association between anticipated stigma and anxiety and depression, with higher stigma being associated with greater disclosure, and greater disclosure being associated with lower distress.
findingsGuided by the Disclosure Processes Model, this study examined how functional disability and anticipated stigma are associated with depression and anxiety indirectly through distress disclosure, and whether these pathways are moderated by perceived social support.
limitationsTitle: When does distress disclosure help? Anticipated stigma and the moderating role of perceived social support in depression and anxiety among individuals with multiple sclerosis.
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