Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived needs of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and the relationship of those needs to self-reported severity of symptoms. Reported needs were conceptualized in four broad areas: (a) medical, (b) psychological, (c) vocational, and (d) other. Multiple regression analysis showed that: (a) The expressed need for direct medical care was most highly related to reports of poor functional ability, severe pain and severe ambulation problems. (b) The expressed need for psychological assistance was most highly related to youth and reports of severe mood swings. (c) The expressed need for vocational services was most highly related to reports of severe mood swings and better functional ability. And, (d) the expressed need for other services showed need for transportation was related to reports of less severe ambulation and cognition problems; need for accessible housing to reports of less severe problems with incontinence; and need for homemaker services to reports of more severe ambulatory problems, mood swings and poorer functional ability.