Multiple sclerosis: Empirical literature for the clinical health psychologist

This article reviews the empirical literature related to clinical health ps ychology in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a disease in which the immune sy stem attacks the central nervous system. As such, the interactions between medical and psychological variables are complex, and potentially of conside rable importance to patients. Common neuropsychological and psychological p roblems associated with MS and their etiologies are reviewed. The effects o f stress and depression on MS exacerbation are discussed. including clinica l, immune, endocrine, and neuroimaging findings. The types of coping common in MS and their effects on adjustment are discussed. The empirical literat ure on psychological and neuropsychological intervention is reviewed. The s mall literature on caregiving in MS is also summarized. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.