Analysis of the Relationship between Disease Duration, Comorbidities, and Emotional Disorders and the Level of Disability in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that leads to increasing disability and deterioration in patients’ functioning.

Aim. To assess the relationship between disease duration, comorbidities, treatment modification, emotional disorders, and the level of disability in patients with MS.

Material and Methods. A retrospective analysis of medical records of 149 patients treated at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of the Stanisław Staszic Specialist Hospital in Piła was conducted. The analysis included disease duration, disability level assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), treatment, comorbidities, and emotional disorders. Spearman’s rank correlation and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied.

Results. A statistically significant, weak positive relationship was found between disease duration and disability level (r=0.185; p=0.024). Comorbidities were associated with a tendency toward higher EDSS scores, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.088). Treatment modifications, most commonly due to insufficient efficacy or adverse effects, were not significantly associated with disability level (p=0.101). Emotional disorders were present in 14.1% of patients, and their association with EDSS was not statistically significant (p=0.154).

Conclusions. Disease duration is significantly associated with the level of disability in patients with MS. Comprehensive and regular monitoring of patients’ health status may support individualized care. (JNNN 2026;15(2):47–54)