Predictors of distress in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: Understanding of the factors that predict emotional distress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is limited. This systematic review critically appraised and synthesised the findings of longitudinal studies into baseline clinical, demographic, social, and psychological predictors of later emotional distress in people with ALS. Methods: Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL Plus were searched for relevant published literature from their inception until April 2018. Inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective peer-reviewed studies, written in English, assessing baseline clinical, demographic, psychological or social predictors of emotional distress or psychological quality of life ≥1 month later in adults with ALS. Results: Eight studies were included in this review. Demographic or clinical factors were investigated in seven studies, social factors in two studies, and psychological factors in three studies. There was scarce evidence that any baseline demographic or clinical factors predicted emotional distress. The only factor that consistently predicted emotional distress across multiple studies was lower social support. Mindfulness and psychological quality of life each predicted emotional distress but were only evaluated in single studies. Conclusions: Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying emotional distress, particularly modifiable factors such as psychological factors, to reduce emotional distress in people with ALS.