Psychosocial impact of illness intrusiveness moderated by age in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Abstract Data from two samples were pooled to test the hypothesis that age and illness intrusiveness (illness-induced disruptions to lifestyles, activities, and interests) interact to influence psychological well-being and emotional distress in multiple sclerosis (MS). Respondents (n = 774 MS outpatients) completed the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) and Affect Balance Scales (ABS) in a standardized interview. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for severity of MS and for recent stressful life events, indicated that the Age × Illness Intrusiveness interaction was statistically significant for both ABS and CES-D scores. The form of the interaction was consistent across measures: increasing illness intrusiveness was associated with a more markedly deleterious psychosocial impact (i.e. decreasing psychological well-being and increasing emotional distress) among young as compared to older individuals. Considered in the context of r...