Understanding emotions in people with multiple sclerosis

Emotions Recognition in Multiple Sclerosis

Not applicable Interventional Lille Catholic University · NCT04804787

This study is trying to see if people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can still recognize positive emotions like healthy volunteers can.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorLille Catholic University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lille)
Trial IDNCT04804787 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares multiple sclerosis patients with healthy volunteers to assess their ability to recognize positive emotions. It aims to determine if patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can still recognize positive emotions despite known difficulties with negative emotions. The study employs behavioral assessments and neurophysiological measures, such as electrodermal activity, to gather comprehensive data on emotional recognition. Participants will undergo a series of tests and questionnaires to evaluate their emotional recognition capabilities.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 55 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and mild disability.

Not a fit: Patients with significant motor or cognitive impairments, previous neurological conditions, or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of emotional recognition in multiple sclerosis, potentially leading to better therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have indicated emotional recognition deficits in multiple sclerosis, this specific approach combining behavioral and neurophysiological measures is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female between 18 and 55 years old.
* Understand and able to express themselves in French.
* EXPERIMENTAL GROUP :
* Relapsing-remitting form (RRMS)
* With an EDSS \< 4 (Expanded Disability Status Scale)
* No significant motor, cerebellar or somatosensory disorders of the upper limbs or visual disorders (EDSS specific parameter \<2)
* No flare-up in the last 6 weeks
* No corticosteroids taken in the last 4 weeks
* CONTROL GROUP :
* Lack of global cognitive deterioration (according to Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) standards).
* Gender, age and education level matching to the multiple sclerosis patients
* Understanding and signing the informed consent and information letter regarding participation in the study.
* Benefiting from health insurance coverage.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Persons with previous neurological pathologies, head trauma with loss of consciousness, psychiatric pathologies, serious general affections, perceptive or dysarthric disorders preventing verbal communication or reading,
* People with sensory disorders (visual and auditory) that interfere with the performance of neuropsychological tests;
* Treatment with psychotropic drugs (except benzodiazepines and hypnotics).
* Refusal to participate after clear and fair information about the study.
* Major persons under guardianship, under judicial protection, persons deprived of liberty.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Where this trial is running

Lille

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 SclerosisMultiple sclerosisEmotions recognitionCognitive disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.