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Prevalence and correlates of depression among veterans with multiple sclerosis

R M Williams1, A P Turner, M Hatzakis

  • 1Department of Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, Rehabilitation Care Services, S-117, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. Rhonda.Williams1@med.va.gov

Neurology
|January 12, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Depression affects 22% of veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS). Factors like low income and perceived disability increase risk, while depression impacts healthcare use and activity participation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
  • Depression is a common comorbidity in MS, affecting quality of life.
  • Understanding depression prevalence and risk factors in veterans with MS is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) in veterans with MS.
  • To identify demographic, disease-related, and disability-related factors associated with MDE.
  • To examine the link between MDE, healthcare service utilization, and participation in activities.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was mailed to 1,032 veterans with MS identified through a computer database.
  • A response rate of 43.7% (451 veterans) was achieved.
  • Statistical analyses identified factors associated with MDE and its impact.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-two percent of the surveyed veterans met criteria for current MDE.
  • Independent predictors of MDE included low income, unemployment, falls, younger age, lack of a partner, and perceived disability from bowel issues.
  • MDE was associated with increased primary care visits and limitations in activity participation.

Conclusions:

  • Depression rates in this male-predominant veteran MS sample mirrored those in female-predominant MS populations.
  • Specific disability perceptions, particularly bowel functioning, were linked to depression.
  • Depression in veterans with MS is associated with higher healthcare utilization and reduced participation in daily activities.

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