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Mood disorders in multiple sclerosis and the effects on cognition
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M4N 3M5. antfeinstein@aol.com
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|April 29, 2006
Summary
Depression may worsen cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Further research is needed to determine if treating depression can improve cognitive function in individuals with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Depression and cognitive dysfunction are prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The relationship between depression and cognitive impairment in MS remains unclear.
- Existing data on this association are equivocal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the relationship between depression and cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.
- To review the existing literature on this behavioral association.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Studies examining the influence of depression on cognition in MS patients were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Early research suggested cognitive dysfunction in MS is independent of depression.
- Methodological flaws in earlier studies have been identified.
- Recent findings indicate that depression negatively impacts cognitive capacity, particularly executive functions within working memory.
Conclusions:
- Depression may exacerbate cognitive deficits in individuals with MS.
- The potential for cognitive improvement through depression treatment in MS warrants further investigation.
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