The hidden burden of multiple sclerosis: Exploring depression, fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairments

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a wide array of symptoms that can vary in severity and manifestation. While the visible effects, such as mobility issues, are often recognized, the invisible symptoms play a significant yet often overlooked role in the lives of those affected. These include fatigue, depression, cognitive impairments, pain, and sexual dysfunction, all of which are common among people living with MS. These invisible symptoms profoundly impact quality of life by contributing to individual, marital, and social difficulties. Despite advancements in medical research, there is still a critical need to comprehensively address and manage these symptoms to improve overall patient outcomes and quality of life.

This Research Topic aims to shed light on the prevalence and impact of invisible symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis and to explore potential strategies for their management. The objective is to enhance understanding of how these symptoms contribute to life challenges such as unemployment, relationship strain, and social isolation. Additionally, we seek to examine potential interventions and therapeutic approaches that can alleviate these burdens. By addressing these invisible symptoms, we aim to inform healthcare strategies that support the holistic well-being of individuals with MS.

To gather further insights into the impact and management of invisible symptoms in MS, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Mechanisms underlying fatigue and depression in MS

- Cognitive impairments and their effect on daily functioning

- Pain management strategies tailored to MS patients

- Addressing sexual dysfunction in the context of MS

- Social and marital challenges stemming from invisible symptoms in MS.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: fatigue, depression, cognitive impairments, pain, sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, MS, invisible symptoms

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.