Impact of Childhood Trauma on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Single-center Observational Study to Characterize Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis and Their Impact on Quality of Life, Disease Coping Strategies, and Adherence to Disease Course-modifying Therapies

Observational Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06718920

This study looks at how childhood trauma affects the quality of life and coping strategies of people with Multiple Sclerosis to see if those early experiences impact their health and treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rome, RM)
Trial IDNCT06718920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate how adverse childhood experiences (ACE) affect the quality of life and coping strategies of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants, diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, will complete surveys during their regular medical visits to assess the influence of childhood trauma on their disease management and treatment adherence. The study seeks to understand the relationship between early negative experiences and their long-term effects on health outcomes in MS patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who have been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients who have language barriers or conditions that hinder their understanding of the questionnaires may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how childhood trauma influences the management of Multiple Sclerosis, potentially leading to improved coping strategies and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the prevalence of ACE in MS patients, previous studies have suggested a potential link between childhood trauma and health outcomes, indicating that this area is underexplored but not entirely novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age older than 18 years;
* Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria (2017 revisions) made between 2014 and 2024.
* Signature of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of language barrier
* Presence of conditions that prevent or limit understanding and proper completion of questionnaires

Where this trial is running

Rome, RM

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Multiple SclerosisACEmultiple sclerosistreatment adherenceadverse childhood experiencesquality of life
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.