The Relation between Multiple Sclerosis and Employment
Abstract
This paper will educate the reader on the relationship between Multiple Sclerosis and employment. This section will explain of the struggles and hardships that individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis regularly face.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the commands from the brain to the body. MS is an immune- mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks myelin from the central nervous system. MS mainly affects individuals between 20-40 years of age. This leads to a decline in their daily life functions. This disease is difficult to diagnose and there is not a certain test to run when in the diagnostic process. While no two diagnoses will be the same those with this disabling disease may experience the following: fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, vision problems, bladder problems, and depression. While the cause, symptoms, and progressions of Multiple Sclerosis varies within each person diagnosed, there are four different courses the disease can take. Due to the extensive and unpredictable symptoms and problems occurring in those with MS, it is sometimes hard for them to find employment or preserve that employment for a significant period of time.
Invisible Symptoms
There are many factors of this disease that can be correlated with lack of employment. The rate of unemployment for those with MS ranges between 22% and 80%. “Several MS-related factors have been correlated with unemployment status, including disease course, duration and neurological disability”. There are two types of symptoms for those with MS, the visible and invisible. Some believe the invisible symptoms of this disease can lead to a loss of job or difficulty finding employment. The invisible symptoms of MS can include depression and fatigue. Due to these symptoms, those with MS are not motivated to work, and at times physically are too tired to leave the house. This leads to disciplinary actions, such as write ups, in their current job, and also lack of job satisfaction. This can cause their depression to worsen or cause them to struggle in other aspects of life due to lack or loss of employment.
Personality Types
In other disabilities and diseases personality plays a large role in coping and recovery. There are certain personalities that seem to worsen health status. The individuals with a “Type D” personality seem to have a harder time coping and working through their disability. Those with this personality type tend to be negative. Type D individuals tend to see the glass half empty and have a lack of self-confidence. Individuals with this personality type may use unhealthy behaviors to cope with their disability. Those with MS may have more extensive symptoms and definitely have problems with employment. “Personality, persistence, or conscientiousness was a predictor of employment, over disease severity and cognitive impairment”. This shows that one’s attitude or perspective on their disability can severely impact their employment and symptoms. Especially those with MS that experience the intense depression, staying down about their disease will make it harder for them to explore the world of employment.
Job Longevity
Of course, there are a percentage of individuals that do successfully find employment. Sadly, most of these jobs do not last long. Premature release from jobs is very common when discussing topics of MS and employment. In fact, those whose work duties deteriorated were “older, more severely disabled from MS, and less likely to have access to suitable housing”. Job longevity needs improvement especially in the demographic of people with disabilities. Finding a new job can be extremely stressful for those already dealing with health issues. These individuals can have an increase in depression like symptoms, and also have lack of productivity due to flip flopping jobs.
Relationship of MS and Employment
The initial diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis can be scary, and a life with this disabling condition can be difficult to maintain. Quality of life for those with Multiple Sclerosis can be quite low. The symptoms, individual personality types, and personal drive all play an important role in the quality of life for these individuals Employment can be hard to find and keep due to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple employers also do not recognize these individuals’ hardships with the relationship between MS and employment. Many factors of this condition are an explanation for high unemployment rates and serious evidence that there needs to be more related interventions with employment for these disabled individuals.
Solutions to Employment Issues
As important as it is to be educated on the issues those with Multiple Sclerosis face during their employment journey, finding solutions to these issues are also top priority. It is just as necessary to find a way to improve their employment journey as well as their everyday living. Different solutions have been researched and tested to help improve the employment process for those with disabilities. Solutions can range between multiple topics and have many different intentions. While most lack evidence of effectiveness, due to lack of research and strategies, there have been testimonials of individuals having employment success. These following solutions have improved the employment process for those with Multiple Sclerosis as well as other disabilities.
Disease Modifying Therapy
Studies have been conducted to examine the employment outcomes after completing disease modifying therapy. DMT can reduce the activity and progression of MS. This therapy has been contributed to changes in employment outcomes. Studies have shown that those who use higher efficacy DMT increase their work attendance and productivity. This therapy can not only improve their quality of life, but can help with the invisible symptoms of this disease as well. Having a stable income and limiting some symptoms can improve the depression and fatigue aspect of this particular disease. If these individuals felt happier and less lethargic they are more likely to find joy in their work environment, try harder in everyday life, and enjoy themselves. This would be a great solution to the employment issues individuals with MS face. This therapy not only helps limit their symptoms and progress, but helps improve the employment barriers that come with living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Rehabilitation and Vocational Services
As one of the most common neurological disorders, those impacted with MS have a variety of services available that focus on rehabilitation and vocational counseling. These services asses symptom progression and decide which service, or services, will be beneficial to the client. These services help with gaining confidence, evaluating interests, and establishing a starting point for the client’s employment journey. Employment is very important in the lives of most adults. For these individuals, not being able to work can escalate particular symptoms especially depression. For professionals assisting these individuals, emphasis is put on understanding the disengagement from employment and working through that to reach a common goal. This vocational intervention is geared toward finding solutions that work for each individual client. Whether this is teaching transferable skills, managing symptoms, or evaluating interests these professionals’ main goal is finding suitable effective strategies that increase employment opportunities. Viewing affective vocational intervention will increase job attainment, retention, and return-to-work.
Employment Focused Projects
Employment focused demonstration projects have been in development for three decades. These projects evaluate the success of vocational intervention on the factor of employment. Several demonstrations have been created from 1980-present Roessler & Rumrill, 2003, p.24). These programs originally sought to improve job seeking skills, job placement, and barrier removal Roessler & Rumrill, 2003, p.26). Since the ADA era began in 1990 these programs have shifted their focus point to employer education, reasonable accommodations, placement training, and early intervention to promote job retention. One particular project, Project Alliance, emphasized accommodations and problem solving between the employee and the employer. This project allows for rehabilitation professionals to meet with the employer and employee, with MS, to find strategies for an effective employment process. These projects allowed professionals to see both sides of the workforce and help those that have never dealt with individuals with MS to understand what they need to promote a positive work experience.
Multiple Sclerosis and Employment Solutions
There are many challenges those with MS encounter throughout the progression of this disease. While these individuals have many outstanding issues, one major problem in their lives involves employment issues. Multiple solutions are available to these individuals that improve their quality of life. Different therapies, projects, and rehabilitation professionals can improve the overall process of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. While these solutions have proven to improve some barriers those with MS encounter, there still needs to be more research conducted. The overall employment journey can be difficult for these individuals, but the help they receive can change the way these individuals live their lives and provide a positive employment experience.
References
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