Subjective memory perception, metacognitive beliefs and memory functions of multiple sclerosis(MS) patients: Evaluation of the relationship between depression, anxiety and stress level

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare memory performances, subjective memory perception, metacognitive beliefs and depression, stress and anxiety levels of individuals with MS and healthy individuals. In addition, it is aimed to evaluate whether the moderation effect of depression, stress and anxiety levels on the possible effect of presence of the disease on memory performance, subjective memory perception and metacognitive beliefs. Method: The sample of the study consists of 100 individuals diagnosed with MS and 60 healthy individuals without MS. Selective Recall Test, 10/36 Spatial Memory Test and Sequence Test were used to evaluate memory performances. In order to evaluate subjective memory perception, Memory Functionality Questionnaire; Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 was used to assess depression, stress and anxiety levels, and Metacognition Scale-30 was used to evaluate metacognitive beliefs. Results: When the scores of the memory tests were evaluated, it was seen that individuals with MS had lower performance scores than the sub-scores of all memory tests compared to healthy controls. The scores of individuals with MS from all subscales except the Use of Remembering Techniques subscale of Memory Functioning Questionnaire were statistically significantly lower than healthy subjects. When depression, anxiety and stress levels were compared, it was seen that individuals with MS had statistically higher scores. When the scores of metacognitive beliefs were questioned, it was seen that individuals with MS scored significantly higher than the Cognitive Trust and Cognitive Awareness subscales. When the moderation effects of depression, stress and anxiety levels on the possible effect of the presence of the disease, which is the secondary aim of the study, on memory performances, subjective memory perception and metacognitive beliefs, were found to have no statistically significant effect. Conclusion: Memory performance of individuals with MS was found to be lower than those without MS. It was found that individuals with MS had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than healthy controls, and there were also differences in subjective memory perception and metacognitive beliefs between the two groups. Moderation effect of depression, anxiety and stress levels were not significant.