Investigation of sociodemographic and neuropsyciatric reasons that may be associated with somatic complains in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease that begins in young adulthood and reduces quality of life. The psychiatric symptoms seen during its course make it difficult for the individual to cope with stress, while effective coping strategies facilitate adaptation to the disease. This study was planned to investigate the sociodemographic and neuropsychiatric factors that may be associated with somatic complaints in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. The data of the study conducted between February 2024 and August 2024 were obtained from 112 individuals aged 18-59 years with Multiple Sclerosis who applied to the neurology outpatient clinic of a health practice and research hospital. "Personal information form", 'Symbol Digit Modalities Test', 'Somatization Emotion Conflict Scale, 'Perceived Stress Scale, 'Coping Styles Scale Short Form' were used for data collection. The mean age at diagnosis was 28.4±8.03 years, the mean EDSS score was 1.23±1.15, and the mean SDMT score was 40.3±12.1. The mean scores of Somatic Emotional Conflict Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were higher in women than in men (p<0.05). It was found that the severity of somatic symptoms increased as the EDDS score increased and anxiety increased as the SDMT score increased (p<0.05). It was found that the perceived stress level increased when the frequency and severity of the somatic symptoms of the participants and the anxiety level of the individuals increased (p<0.05). Female participants were also found to use more coping strategies. The results of the study indicate that somatization level, stress management and coping mechanisms used by individuals play an important role in disease management.