Data concerning the functional and psychological status of a sample of 101 rheuma toid arthritis (RA) patients were compared with data on a similar sample of 102 mul tiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Because far more psychological research has been done regarding the personal and interpersonal factors that impact adaptation to RA, the current study was conducted to (1) underscore the similarities that exist between the two illnesses; (2) assess the usefulness in an MS sample of functional assessment measures commonly used with RA populations; and (3) identify the similarities and differences that exist between RA patients and MS patients with respect to functional status and psychological impact. It was determined that for these two samples the level of functional disability was similar but that there was greater psychological impact observed among the MS participants. Limitations to household activities most strongly predicted depression in the MS group, followed by limitations to social activ ity and more limited financial resources. Younger patients reported more anxiety. The relevance of these findings to related MS research is noted, as well as the utility of questionnaire research with this population.
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