Psychosocial Effects of COVID-19 on Multiple Sclerosis Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a confluence of psychosocial challenges on people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), amplifying pre-existing vulnerabilities in mental health, social participation and daily functioning. Lockdowns and social distancing disrupted routines, reduced face-to-face healthcare encounters and heightened uncertainty about disease management. Many PwMS reported increased levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms and fatigue as well as difficulties in sustaining employment or adapting to remote working arrangements. At the same time, the sudden shift to telehealth services introduced both opportunities for continuity of care and barriers related to technological access and clinician–patient rapport. Coping strategies and resilience emerged as crucial buffers against adverse outcomes, with active engagement in problem-focused coping, social support networks and structured daily activities being associated with better adaptation.

Global studies have underscored heterogeneity in responses: younger patients and those with progressive disease phenotypes appeared particularly susceptible to psychological distress, while others described neutral or even positive experiences stemming from reduced social obligations and more flexible work arrangements. Disruptions to rehabilitation services and peer support further compounded feelings of isolation, yet many PwMS demonstrated resourcefulness by embracing virtual peer groups, mindfulness practices and home-based exercise. The evolving evidence base highlights the need for integrated psychosocial interventions, tailored digital health platforms and policies that safeguard both the physical and mental well-being of PwMS during prolonged crises.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Psychosocial Effects of COVID-19 on Multiple Sclerosis Patients publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in psychosocial effects of covid-19 on multiple sclerosis patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL): A multidimensional patient-reported outcome covering physical, psychological and social domains of well-being.

Health state utility (HSU): A numerical index (ranging from 0 to 1) reflecting the preference-based value assigned to a given health state.

Telehealth: The delivery of healthcare services and information via electronic and telecommunication technologies.

Resilience: The capacity to maintain or regain psychological well-being in the face of adversity and stress.

Psychosocial adversity: The combined psychological and social challenges that threaten an individual’s mental health and social functioning.

References

1. Occupational outcomes of people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health (2023).
2. The COVID-19 Pandemic Experience in Multiple Sclerosis: The Good, the Bad and the Neutral. Neurology and Therapy (2021).
3. Exploring COVID‐19 experiences for persons with multiple sclerosis and carers: An Australian qualitative study. Health Expectations (2023).
4. The Health‐Related Quality of Life Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on People Living with Multiple Sclerosis and the General Population: A Comparative Study Utilizing the EQ‐5D‐5L with Psychosocial Bolt‐Ons. Brain and Behavior (2024).
5. Physical Activity, Resilience, Sense of Coherence and Coping in People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Situation Derived from COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020).