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[Depression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis].
Maria Fernanda Mendes1, Charles Peter Tilbery, Silvia Balsimelli
1Departamento de Medicina, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|September 27, 2003
Summary
Clinical depression affects 17.9% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, correlating with functional disability but not sex, age, or illness duration. This highlights the need for mental health support in MS care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The link between multiple sclerosis (MS) and depression is long-suspected, but prevalence data is limited by potential biases.
- Understanding depression rates in MS patients is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression in a cohort of relapsing-remitting MS patients.
- To investigate associations between depression and disability, gender, age, and illness duration.
Main Methods:
- 84 relapsing-remitting MS patients were assessed.
- Utilized the Beck Scale (BS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Main Results:
- Depression was identified in 17.9% of patients; anxiety in 34.5%.
- A significant correlation was found between depression and functional disability (p=0.0002).
- No significant relationship was observed between depression and sex, age, or duration of illness.
Conclusions:
- Depression is a common comorbidity in individuals with MS.
- Functional disability is associated with depression in MS patients, underscoring the importance of integrated care approaches.