Sustained Attention and Reaction time in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Individuals Considering Their Levels of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

Background and Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system which is accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. The aim of this study is to compare the sustained attention and reaction time in patients with MS and healthy normal individuals considering their level of depression, anxiety, and stress. This causal-comparative study recruited 108 participants. The patients were 54 with relapsing-remitting and 54 healthy people were included in control group. To collect the data DASS-2 questionnaire was used and computerized continuous performance test was administered. Results showed significant difference in sustained attention and reaction time between the two groups. We also observed significant differences in cognitive function considering the levels of depression, anxiety and stress. MS could result in impairment in sustained attention and reaction time. Also, depression, anxiety, and stress intensify these cognitive impairments.