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Depressive symptoms and MRI changes in multiple sclerosis
M Zorzon1, R Zivadinov, D Nasuelli
1Department of Clinical Medicine and Neurology, University of Trieste, Italy. m.zorzon@fmc.units.it
European Journal of Neurology
|September 11, 2002
Summary
Brain atrophy in specific frontal and temporal lobes may contribute to depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, lesion load did not differ, suggesting atrophy, not lesions, is linked to MS depression severity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Depression is a common comorbidity in MS patients, impacting quality of life.
- The neurobiological underpinnings of depression in MS are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between brain structural changes and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To determine if specific brain regions are associated with the development or severity of depressive symptoms in MS.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 90 patients with clinically definite MS.
- Assessment of disability, independence, cognitive function, and mood symptoms at baseline and 2-year follow-up.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure regional and total lesion loads (LL) and brain volumes.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in lesion load (LL) between depressed and non-depressed MS patients.
- Increased brain atrophy observed in depressed patients, particularly in the left and right frontal lobes and temporal lobes.
- Depressive symptom severity correlated with disability scores and right temporal lobe brain volume.
Conclusions:
- Brain atrophy, especially in frontal and temporal regions, is associated with depression in MS patients.
- Destructive lesions in the right temporal lobe may contribute to depression severity.
- Both brain structural changes and neurological impairment severity influence depression in MS.