The Discrepancy between Multi-Informed Subjective and Objective Measures of Executive Performances and Contributing Psychological Factors in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

The primary aim of the current study was to examine the discrepancy between self-reported and informant-reported executive performances in Multiple Sclerosis. Second, the current study aimed to compare patients’ and proxies’ subjective reports of executive performances with objective measures of executive functioning. The third aim of the study was to examine possible underlying psychological factors of patients who tend to underestimate, overestimate, or accurately estimate their executive performances. Twenty-four patients with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis were included and were asked to complete questionnaires and to visit the department of Medical Psychology to complete a series of neuropsychological tests. Furthermore, an informant was asked to fulfil two proxy questionnaires at home. Our results showed a significant discrepancy between self-reported and informant-reported executive performances, no significant difference between the patients’ objective and subjective measures, but a marginal significant difference between de patients’ objective and proxies’ subjective measures. Finally, it was found that underestimators report more depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms and report less illness acceptance than accurate estimators. However, due to a small sample size, the results should be interpreted with caution. Future research could take the recommendations and limitations of the current study into account to improve psychological diagnostics and treatment in Multiple Sclerosis. Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis ∙ Self-reported executive performances ∙ Informant-reported executive performances ∙ Objective executive performances