Experiences of childrens and teens with MS

An interesting study reprinted on Medscape (free registration required) describes the thoughts and feelings of children and teens who are living with MS. This study was authored by two nurses at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, one of the few sites in the world with a pediatric MS clinic.

Children and teens with MS have many of the same problems and concerns as adults, but also have unique experiences due to their stage of life, and the purpose of this study was to better understand what young people with MS are going through in order to better support them. The study involved interviewing twelve subjects between the ages of 7 and 18 about how they received their diagnosis, how they are coping with MS, and how MS is affecting various aspects of their lives. The interviews did show that having MS has affected the lives of these young people in many ways, for example through missed school, restrictions on activities, and being treated differently by their peers. However, some of the effects were perceived as positive (e.g., closer relationships and special privileges), and all of the subjects had a hopeful attitude about the future.