Stressful events increase exacerbations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Stressful life events double the risk of an exacerbation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Buljevac and colleagues (p 646) conducted a prospective study of 73 patients with the condition to examine the relation between self reported stressful life events and exacerbations. Data from patients' weekly diaries showed that occurrence of at least one stressful event (such as problems with a family member, job stress, or death of a loved one) was associated with a doubling in exacerbations over the following four weeks. The authors state that exacerbations in multiple sclerosis are common but unpredictable, and little previous evidence documents the effect of psychological determinants.