Can psychological stress cause ALS?

Based on current scientific knowledge, it is not possible for ALS to be caused by psychological stress or a psychiatric disorder. Nevertheless, the severity of an ALS diagnosis and its associated implications can lead to psychological stress and an exceptional situation.

Some ALS patients develop depression or an anxiety disorder, each of which may require psychiatric treatment. Overall, psychological distress should be viewed as a consequence of ALS, but not as the cause of the disease.