Sexual function in women with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is an inflammatory disease of central nervous system [CNS] and sexual dysfunction [SD] is one of the most common disabilities of MS women. The aim of this study was to determine sexual function of women with MS [multiple sclerosis]. One hundred definite MS patients MS patients and fifty age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Demographic data [sex, age], duration of the disease and disease pattern extracted from patient's files and Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] recorded for each patient by an expert neurologist. Participants were asked to answer the valid and reliable Persian version of Beck depression inventory [BDI] and Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] questionnaires. The total FSFI score and subscale scores differed significantly between the MS patients and the controls. There was a significant negative correlation between EDSS and FSFI scores [rho=-0.44, P<0.001] and significant positive correlation between EDSS and BDI [rho=0.36,P<0.001] in patients. Mean BDI and all subscales of FSFI differed significantly between patients with total FSFI score higher and lower than 26.55. Sexual dysfunction should be considered in women with multiple sclerosis

Emotional intelligence [EI] of patients with multiple sclerosis [MS]

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is an autoimmune disease that affects physical and emotional aspects of patient's lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate Emotional Intelligence [EI] in cases with MS. One hundred sixty six clinically definite MS and 110 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. All participants filled valid and reliable Persian version Emotional Quotient inventory [EQ-i] questionnaire, which had been developed due to Bar-On model. Mean EI total score and 12 out of 15 subscales were significantly different between patients and controls. Total EI score and most of its subscales were significantly higher in patients with RR [Relapsing Remitting] than Secondary Progressive [SP] ones. There was significant negative correlation between EDSS and total EI score [rho=-0.4, P<0.001]. Multiple linear regression analysis between the EI as a dependent variable and sex, type of disease, level of education, age and marital status as independent variables in patients showed that type of disease and level of education were independent predictors of EI. Emotional intelligence as the ability to behave better and communicate with others should be considered in MS cases as their physical and psychological health are affected by their illness

Depression, poor sleep, and sexual dysfunction in migraineurs women

Migraine is a chronic disorder affecting women more than men. Sexual dysfunction is one the complaints of women with migraine, which is not regarded as it should be. The goal of this study was to determine sexual dysfunction in women with migraine, and possible effects of depression and sleep quality on their sexual function. One hundred married migraineurs women were enrolled. All participants were asked to fill out valid and reliable Persian versions of Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire [PSQI], female sexual function index [FSFI] and beck depression inventory [BDI]. Mean BDI, PSQI, and FSFI scores were 15.1 +/- 9.1, 7.6 +/- 4, and 21.6 +/- 8.8 in all patients, respectively. Sexual dysfunction found in 68% and 79% were poor sleepers. Mean BDI and PSQI scores were significantly higher in women with sexual dysfunction [FSFI < 26.55]. There was significant negative correlation between BDI score and FSFI [r = -0.1, P = 0.001] as well as significant positive correlation between BDI and PSQI [r = 0.42, P < 0.001] Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BDI and age were independent predictors of FSFI score. Physicians should consider sexual dysfunction in women with migraine along with depression and poor sleep in such cases