Multiple Sclerosis: The Psychological Effects of Parental MS on Adolescents and Children
Jessica Houge
Greenville Technical College Abstract
This paper defines multiple sclerosis and explores three articles that report on the behavioral and emotional psychological effects of adolescents who have a parent with multiple sclerosis (MS). The articles vary from professional studies to personal documentation. Mary Harmon (Harmon, 1999)(a parent who was diagnosed with MS) writes about her personal struggles and how her illness affects her young son. The other two articles, (De Judicibus & McCabe, 2004) and (Razaz, Nourian, Marrie, Boyce, & Tremlett, 2014), account multiple studies - conducted using varying methods - with Western families. The studies show the extent of the psychological impact on children who have a parent with a chronic illness such as MS, and how these families are coping and adjusting to meet the needs of both the parent and the child. Multiple Sclerosis: The Psychological Effects of Parental MS on Adolescents and Children Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, often affecting adults between the ages 20 and 40. …show more content…
It is more common in women than in men, highly unpredictable, and often debilitating. Some symptoms, although they vary from one individual to the next and in severity, may include optic neuritis, dysarthria, and dysphagia. While a patient can identify and express their struggles with this disease, they cannot speak for the impact it has on their children.
Behaviors and Emotions
Children cannot always express their emotions in a healthy way. They may be uncomfortable talking to someone about how they feel, or they simply do not understand what they are feeling. Because of this, their emotions come out as anger, rage, or sadness. Often times, children and adolescents will begin to withdraw from their family and peers due to embarrassment. There are ways to assist a child with healthy emotional expression, and it is important for them to know their feelings are justified.
Parental Response A child’s biggest advocate is always their parent. What happens when that once healthy parent receives a multiple sclerosis diagnosis? Children and adolescents do not comprehend MS on the same scale as adults. One way parents can help their children is by bringing them to doctor appointments. Encourage the children to ask questions. In turn, always be open and honest with the answers, and put them in terms appropriate for the child’s age. Other ways of helping a child cope with their parent’s diagnosis include adapting to different ways of doing family activities or incorporating new traditions that make it easier for the affected parent to be involved; and attending counseling services. It takes an entire community to raise a child when it comes to parenting with MS. Studies and Findings. Multiple studies performed since the 1950s have observed families where a parent has MS. Families affected by MS, when compared to families with healthy parents that do not have a chronic illness, show that there is a direct correlation between parental MS and children with psychological impairments. While it is possible for children of healthy parents to have mental health issues, children with affected parents are more likely to mimic their behavior and develop emotional disturbances as they age (De Judicibus & McCabe, 2004). Conclusion In
Jessica Houge
Greenville Technical College Abstract
This paper defines multiple sclerosis and explores three articles that report on the behavioral and emotional psychological effects of adolescents who have a parent with multiple sclerosis (MS). The articles vary from professional studies to personal documentation. Mary Harmon (Harmon, 1999)(a parent who was diagnosed with MS) writes about her personal struggles and how her illness affects her young son. The other two articles, (De Judicibus & McCabe, 2004) and (Razaz, Nourian, Marrie, Boyce, & Tremlett, 2014), account multiple studies - conducted using varying methods - with Western families. The studies show the extent of the psychological impact on children who have a parent with a chronic illness such as MS, and how these families are coping and adjusting to meet the needs of both the parent and the child. Multiple Sclerosis: The Psychological Effects of Parental MS on Adolescents and Children Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, often affecting adults between the ages 20 and 40. …show more content…
It is more common in women than in men, highly unpredictable, and often debilitating. Some symptoms, although they vary from one individual to the next and in severity, may include optic neuritis, dysarthria, and dysphagia. While a patient can identify and express their struggles with this disease, they cannot speak for the impact it has on their children.
Behaviors and Emotions
Children cannot always express their emotions in a healthy way. They may be uncomfortable talking to someone about how they feel, or they simply do not understand what they are feeling. Because of this, their emotions come out as anger, rage, or sadness. Often times, children and adolescents will begin to withdraw from their family and peers due to embarrassment. There are ways to assist a child with healthy emotional expression, and it is important for them to know their feelings are justified.
Parental Response A child’s biggest advocate is always their parent. What happens when that once healthy parent receives a multiple sclerosis diagnosis? Children and adolescents do not comprehend MS on the same scale as adults. One way parents can help their children is by bringing them to doctor appointments. Encourage the children to ask questions. In turn, always be open and honest with the answers, and put them in terms appropriate for the child’s age. Other ways of helping a child cope with their parent’s diagnosis include adapting to different ways of doing family activities or incorporating new traditions that make it easier for the affected parent to be involved; and attending counseling services. It takes an entire community to raise a child when it comes to parenting with MS. Studies and Findings. Multiple studies performed since the 1950s have observed families where a parent has MS. Families affected by MS, when compared to families with healthy parents that do not have a chronic illness, show that there is a direct correlation between parental MS and children with psychological impairments. While it is possible for children of healthy parents to have mental health issues, children with affected parents are more likely to mimic their behavior and develop emotional disturbances as they age (De Judicibus & McCabe, 2004). Conclusion In