How do adolescents adjust to their parent’s MS?

Fifteen adolescents interviewed described both positive and negative experiences related to having a parent with MS. The factors that were identified as having an impact on the adolescences included illness characteristics, extra responsibilities towards their parents, support from significant others, and changes to social relationships.

Illness deterioration, relapses and fatigue, especially when this was happening fast was upsetting for adolescents. Similarly, adolescents with a parent with relapsing remitting MS were worried about the next relapse.

The role of the well partner has the potential to make a positive impact on an adolescent’s life, particularly when the well partner was available to help with everyday house and caring tasks and to deal with and validate their emotions.

The study suggests that psychosocial interventions that focus both on the individual and the family may be of benefit to vulnerable adolescents. Some interventions include techniques to improve communication between the well parent and other family members with adolescents. Furthermore, the findings indicate that adolescents would benefit from seeking support from family and friends to help build-up social skills in general.

This study adds to the existing knowledge about adolescents with a parent with MS. It highlights the contributing role of the family environment. Adolescents identified some benefits, including the fact that their parents’ illness facilitated the formation of their self by making them more caring, thoughtful, understanding and independent.

More research is needed to confirm these relationships. The impact of MS on family members is often underestimated. Dr Bogosian is continuing her research with an online survey for teenagers with a Parent with MS is currently underway.

To find out more:

• Information sheet for parents

• Information sheet for teenagers

Source: British Journal of Health Psychology