The use of non-medical/alternative treatment in multiple sclerosis. A 5 year follow-up study.

Forty-nine patients (22 males, 27 females) were examined and interviewed with 5 years interval in order to determine the extent of the use of non-medical (alternative) treatment and whether the use influenced the natural course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Using clinical course, Kurtzke Disability Status scale, bladder and bowel function, neuropsychological tests, psychological tests, divorce and self-assessment score as parameters, it was found that non-medical treatment did not alter the course of MS. To confirm this result a clinical trial in a controlled design is needed. The use of non-medical treatment declined over the 5 years from 55% to 27%. The use of non-medical treatment could be interpreted as an indicator of psycho-social difficulties in MS patients.