Background & objectives: This study aimed to compare optimism/pessimism and self-efficacy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and normal people in Imam Khomeini hospital of Mahabad, Iran.

Methods: This is a case-control�study that was conducted during winter 2014 and spring 2015. The population of the study consisted of all patients with MS referred to Imam Khomeini hospital. Fifty five patients with MS were selected by convenient sampling method for the case group and were matched with 75 clients as the control group. The two groups were matched for variables including age, gender and education level. The data were gathered by General Self Efficacy Scale and Life Orientation Test-Revised. The data were analyzed by SPSS-19, and U Mann-Whitney and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests were used.

Results:�The findings showed that patients with MS were reported less optimism score and less self efficacy and perseverance subscale compared to normal people (p<0.01). There was no statistical difference between patients with MS and normal people in effort and initiative subscales. There were positive correlation between optimism and self efficacy dimensions (effort, perseverance, initiative) in patients with MS (p<0.01).

Conclusions:�According to this study, the patients with MS were reported low optimism and self-efficacy in comparison to the normal subjects. Finally, we recommend planning cares to decrease mood problems and increasing feelings of self-efficacy to improve mental health status in patients with MS.