Which of the following statements correctly describes multiple sclerosis?

• A. Multiple sclerosis is a mood disorder primarily involving persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
• B. Multiple sclerosis is a personality disorder characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions.
• C. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder characterized by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
• D. Multiple sclerosis is an anxiety disorder marked by excessive worry and physical symptoms such as increased heart rate.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of multiple sclerosis (MS) by identifying its category. MS is a medical condition related to the nervous system, not primarily a psychological or mood disorder.
2. Step 2: Recognize that MS involves the immune system mistakenly attacking parts of the nervous system, specifically targeting the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system.
3. Step 3: Differentiate MS from psychological disorders such as mood disorders (e.g., depression), personality disorders, and anxiety disorders by noting that MS is neurological and involves physical damage to nerve cells.
4. Step 4: Review the symptoms and causes of MS, which include neurological impairments like muscle weakness, coordination problems, and sensory disturbances, rather than emotional or behavioral symptoms typical of psychological disorders.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of MS is that it is a neurological disorder characterized by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers in the central nervous system.