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IJMSC September 2026 Research Roundup
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Who benefits from what kind of support, and why?
The research published by the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC) in September 2026 centers on a shared question: who benefits from what kind of support, and why. Two studies examine how men and women with multiple sclerosis (MS) differ, one in cannabis withdrawal and one in what they want from their neurologists. A meta-analytic study looks at what makes psychological therapies work, and a large Australian survey links access to MS specialist nurses with better health outcomes.
Women With MS Carry a Heavier Symptom Burden During Cannabis Abstinence
In a short report, Meza and Feinstein followed 19 frequent cannabis users with MS (11 women) through 28 days of urine-verified abstinence. Women reported higher Cannabis Withdrawal Questionnaire scores both before abstinence and at day 28, and their symptom trajectories differed significantly from men's, with more irritability, sleep disturbance, physical tension, nausea, and headaches. Anxiety and depression scores stayed stable and within normal limits for both sexes, suggesting cessation was psychologically tolerable. Because withdrawal symptoms overlap with MS symptoms, the authors note that stopping cannabis may also unmask underlying MS burden and that women may benefit from closer monitoring.
What Makes Psychological Therapies Work, and for Whom
Using data from a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Feng et al ran mediation analyses across 68 studies and moderator analyses across 65 to learn how psychological therapies help people with MS. The therapies had strong direct effects on pooled outcomes regardless of the mediator tested, and fatigue was the only factor to show a borderline mediating role. Education emerged as a significant moderator, with trials enrolling more participants holding an undergraduate degree showing larger benefits. The authors suggest addressing fatigue explicitly and adapting interventions for people with less formal education, and they call for better reporting of sociodemographic factors in future trials.
Men and Women Want Different Things From Their Neurologists
Stanikić et al analyzed 1446 free-text responses from 670 participants in the Swiss MS Registry to compare the support men and women value from their neurologists. Both groups wanted active listening, clear information, adequate consultation time, and empathy, but men most often described informational support (39.0%), while women weighted emotional (27.6%) and informational support (26.8%) about equally. Men reported unmet needs more often than women (24.5% vs 17.0%), and nearly two-thirds of those gaps were informational. Where individual preferences can't be assessed in detail, the authors suggest clear, evidence-based guidance for men and a broader mix of informational, emotional, and esteem support for women.
Nearly a Third of Australians With MS Lack Access to an MS Nurse
In part 1 of a 2-part study, Chen et al surveyed 1417 participants in the Australian MS Longitudinal Study and found that 31.5% had no access to MS specialist nurse care. Those without access tended to be older, male, less educated, longer diagnosed, and more remote, though many city dwellers also lacked access and 17.8% of respondents didn't know MS nurses existed. After adjustment, people without access reported worse outcomes across the board, including higher disability, more severe symptoms on all 13 measured, and lower health-related quality of life, with effect sizes of 10% to 24%. The authors recommend expanding and funding the MS nurse workforce, raising awareness of the role, and using telehealth to extend reach.
Across September's research, a consistent message emerges: support works best when it fits the person receiving it. Sex, education, fatigue, and simple awareness of available services shape whether people with MS get the help they need, from cessation support to psychological therapy to the specialist nurses and neurologists on their care team. These findings give clinicians concrete reasons to ask, rather than assume, what each of their patients needs.
Watch for part 2 of the Australian MS nurse study, which will examine how MS nurse care is delivered and its potential cost savings.
All IJMSC articles are free to read at IJMSC.org.
