PTSD and Chronic Stress Caused by Trauma May Play a Role in Findings. Childhood trauma results in PTSD and chronic stress, which may be partly how it influences the likelihood a person will develop MS, says Jacobs.
Physical trauma may activate an otherwise dormant MS, by activating an underlying, and possibly inherited, defect in the small blood vessels of the brain [1]. Furthermore, the role of trauma exacerbating focal myelin damage has been demonstrated histologically in other non-immune myelin disorders [9].
Unexpected stressful life events may alter immune function and affect susceptibility to autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS).
But studies which have investigated whether stress causes MS have been mixed. Although the person with MS knows from their experience that their MS symptoms started after or alongside a stressful period of time, there is no direct evidence that stress causes MS — although it might trigger it.
The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. It's considered an immune mediated disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In the case of MS , this immune system malfunction destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin).
Unhealthy Habits
Smoking and alcohol use are modifiable risk factors — they can be altered by personal choice — and are known from large research studies to increase a person's risk of developing MS or of disease progression.
Can stress cause MS? Some people with MS feel that they developed MS as a direct result of some stressful event or trauma. The evidence on this connection is mixed. Some studies do see an effect whilst others don't.
Never Self-Diagnose MS From Anxiety
Unfortunately, anxiety causes many of the same symptoms as the early stages of MS. MS is one of the health issues that comes up most when those with anxiety search for their symptoms online, and millions of those with anxiety convince themselves that they might have MS.
A separate study found a connection between childhood trauma and C-reactive protein (CRP), which is produced by the liver. In high levels, this protein signals inflammation and may play a role in autoimmune disease. Researchers found higher levels of CRP in adults who experienced childhood abuse.
Significance. Psychological stress is linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) severity (e.g., to a heightened risk of brain lesion development).
Most MS exacerbations last from a few days to several weeks or even months.
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that can mimic some of the symptoms of MS such as fatigue and joint pain.
As well as your mental wellbeing, anxiety can also manifest with physical symptoms, which may be similar to some MS symptoms, such as: Increase in fatigue symptoms. Disrupted sleep and appetite.
MS symptoms include muscle weakness, visual acuity loss, sphincter incontinence, fatigue, anxiety, depression and cognitive deficits. Upon receiving the diagnosis, MS patients can report various conflicting emotional reactions, like shock, anxiety, fear, sadness, sorrow or anger [3].
Generalized anxiety and distress
MS can cause significant anxiety, distress, anger, and frustration from the moment of its very first symptoms. The uncertainty and unpredictability associated with MS is one of its most distressing aspects. In fact, anxiety is at least as common in MS as depression.
Commonly cited MS personality changes include social inappropriateness, disinhibition, apathy, emotional lability, and impulsivity.
Venlafaxine belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is used off-label in multiple sclerosis to treat neuropathic pain (dysesthesias), anxiety and depression.
What causes exacerbations? Exacerbations (relapses) are caused by inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). The inflammation damages the myelin, slowing or disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses and causing the symptoms of MS.
Although more people are being diagnosed with MS today than in the past, the reasons for this are not clear. Likely contributors include greater awareness of the disease, better access to medical care and improved diagnostic capabilities. There is no definitive evidence that the rate of MS is generally on the increase.
Scientists believe that a combination of factors trigger the disease. Studies support the opinion that MS is caused when people with the right combination of genes are exposed to some trigger in the environment. Research also suggests that ethnicity and geography play a role.
We know early treatment improves long-term health and wellbeing by slowing down the build up of irreversible damage and reducing the number of relapses people experience. Starting MS treatment early is best but if you start later it can also have some benefits.
A person with benign MS will have few symptoms or loss of ability after having MS for about 15 years, while most people with MS would be expected to have some degree of disability after that amount of time, particularly if their MS went untreated.