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Published on: December 9, 2015
Depression in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal analysis
Claudia C Beal1, Alexa K Stuifbergen, Adama Brown
1University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. threebeals@gmail.com
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
|August 4, 2007
Summary
Depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) fluctuates over time, not worsening overall. Early functional limitations predict higher depression, highlighting the need for consistent screening in all MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently associated with high rates of depression.
- Longitudinal studies examining depression trajectories in MS are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze depression patterns over a 7-year period in individuals with MS.
- To identify factors influencing depression changes over time in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Latent growth curve analysis of data from 607 persons with MS over 7 years.
- Examined covariates: age, time since diagnosis, MS type, and functional limitations.
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms varied individually but showed no significant overall increase or decrease in the group.
- Younger age, longer time since diagnosis, progressive MS, and functional limitations predicted higher initial depression.
- Functional limitation was consistently associated with depression; other factors did not predict changes over time.
- Gender did not predict depression changes, contrary to expectations.
Conclusions:
- Depression in multiple sclerosis is dynamic and does not necessarily worsen over time.
- Functional limitations are a key factor associated with depression throughout the study period.
- Routine depression screening is crucial for all individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
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