We know MS can cause spasticity in your body, maybe this can happen with thought processes too.
Our colleagues in the Institute of Mental Health in the University of Nottingham are looking into whether there could be justification for trialing a therapy for people with SPMS which aims to target ‘thinking inflexibility’ which can lead to becoming caught up in negative thoughts.
What do we mean by flexible thinking?
Flexible thinking is the ability to focus and engage fully in what we are doing, rather than being pushed around by our thoughts and feelings, and to make more effective choices based on the things that really matter to us
The purpose of this project is to understand the relationship between anxiety, low mood and thinking flexibility in those with SPMS.
Those who are particularly inflexible may become “caught up” in negative thoughts, and feel these need to be controlled which restricts their ability to choose how to behave. However, those with greater thinking flexibility may be able to continue to live fulfilling and productive lives whilst allowing themselves to experience the full spectrum of pleasurable and distressing thoughts and sensations.
