Contrary to earlier reports, stress does not appear to increase a person’s risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Stressful life events have been shown to increase the risk of MS episodes but the researchers examined whether these stressors could actually lead to developing the disease itself.
After considering factors such as age, ethnicity, latitude of birth, body mass at age 18 and smoking, the study found that severe stress at home did not increase the risk of developing MS. There was also no significant increased risk in developing MS among those who reported severe physical or sexual abuse during childhood or adolescence.
Read more at American Academy of Neurology