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Multiple sclerosis and depression: influence of interferon beta therapy
Hélène Zephir1, Jérôme De Seze, Tanya Stojkovic
1Hôpital R. Salengro, CHRU Lille, 59037 Lille Cedex, France.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|June 20, 2003
Summary
Interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) treatment did not significantly alter depression levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Depression status remained stable, even in those with disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a common comorbidity in multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting up to 50% of patients.
- Understanding the impact of disease-modifying therapies on depression is crucial for MS patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) treatment affects depression risk or severity in MS patients.
- To determine the relationship between depression status, its evolution, and clinical disease characteristics.
Main Methods:
- 106 relapsing-remitting MS patients treated with IFNbeta-1a (Avonex) were studied.
- Patients with severe depression were excluded. Depression (BDI-II) and disability (EDSS) were assessed pre- and post-treatment (12 months).
Main Results:
- 85% of patients had minimal or mild depression at baseline, with 83% maintaining this status after 12 months.
- No significant change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scores was observed (P = 0.63).
- Higher baseline BDI-II scores correlated with disability progression (P = 0.003).
Conclusions:
- IFNbeta-1a (Avonex) does not appear to significantly impact depression status in MS patients.
- The treatment's effect on depression remains neutral, irrespective of disability progression.