Bryan Davis, PsyD, MS: Future Discussion on Masculinity Norms in MS

“You’re creating a new environment. One that is supportive, safe, and maybe feels a bit more comfortable.”

Having discussions about masculinity norms and breaking the stigmas that are negatively associated with those discussions have become more normalized and encouraged in the last several years. Many more of those in the public eye have spoken out to raise awareness of mental health, seeking to eliminate outdated thoughts that are especially prevalent with men.

In his recent study, Bryan Davis, PsyD, MS, clinical health psychology fellow, Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, aims to continue to break down those barriers of adhering to masculinity norms while also improving clinical care for men with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the MS patient population, Davis has noted that resources are limited for helping men deal with the disease, as they’re 3 times less likely to have MS compared to women.

In an interview with NeurologyLive, Davis provides an overview of the interventions being used now and why the continuing discussion sparked by these sorts of studies will ultimately provide long-term, more accurate clinical care for men with MS who continue to adhere to masculinity norms.