Living with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative exploration of death, dying and suicide, in UK adults

This qualitative study explored factors contributing to suicidal ideation among people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model (IMV) of suicide as a theoretical framework. Sixteen participants were interviewed and data analysed using Framework Analysis. The analysis generated four core themes: Theme 1:’Journey to Diagnosis’, captured the difficulties faced by people with MS as they sought a diagnosis and how this could be a trigger point for suicidal ideation. Theme 2: ‘Loss and Deprivation’, captured the struggles and consequences of living with MS which was linked to the transition from the pre-motivational to motivational phase of the IMV. Theme 3: ‘Permanence’, captured the cyclical and chronic nature of MS and was linked to entrapment in the IMV. Finally, theme 4: ‘Death and Suicide’, captured perspectives on death, dying, and suicide and the factors linked to suicidal ideation.