The field of psychosomatic disorders is truly fascinating, and the multitude of mind-body connections are so complex that it’s amazing any of us function well at all.  For a primer on the connection between neurology, immunology (including autoimmune diseases), and the mind, see Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Psychoneuroimmunology and Psychosomatic Medicine: Back to the Future. Psychosomatic Medicine. 2002; 64:15–28.

Which brings us back to the question - How many patients are diagnosed with a Mood Disorder or Mental Illness before they are later found to have Multiple Sclerosis?

I do not have a concrete answer, but I will offer that in a future post we will discuss the issue of Limboland in greater detail.  Looking back on it, I was unknowingly a member of Limboland for 12.5 years before receiving my official MS diagnosis.  I was even referred to a psychotherapist for having an anniversary (of sorts) of vague complaints which roughly correlated with the arrival of summer each year.

Here are my questions to you, dear readers:  Were you diagnosed with Mental Illness or a Mood Disorder before/after receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis?  Has it ever been suggested that you were a hypochondriac, or that it was “all in your head”?  Are you a member of Limboland and how long have you been searching for a concrete diagnosis?

Please share your story and let’s work together to dispel some of the myths of MS.

Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.