Table 1.

Possible factors influencing adherence to immunomodulatory treatment for multiple sclerosis

Reasons for not adhering	Patient’s justification
Long periods of remission	Idea of being cured
Injections	Fear or discomfort with needles
Occurrence or fear of side effects	Previous experience or information from other patients
Hopelessness and resignation	Idea of a disease without cure
Lack of motivation and/or knowledge	Reasons for treatment were not explained
Unmet expectations from treatment	Lack of improvement of sequelae or new relapse
Search for other forms of treatment	Influence from family and friends
Several consultations searching for another diagnosis and denial of the disease	Conflicting information from health care providers