Daily increases in pain intensity in multiple sclerosis (MS) are related to social and physical functioning, whereas increases in fatigue and depressed mood are related to daily lower levels of well-being, according to a recent study. Consisting of ambulatory adults (n=102) with MS, the study examined the role of fluctuations in symptoms in daily functioning and quality of life of individuals with MS. Researchers found:

• Above and beyond the effects of demographic and clinical covariates, daily pain was associated with 3 of 4 outcome measures; days of higher pain were related to lower same-day social participation, upper extremity functioning, and lower extremity functioning.
• Daily fatigue and depressed mood were independently related to daily positive affect and well-being; days of worse fatigue and depressed mood were related to lower same-day well-being.