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The burden of mental comorbidity in multiple sclerosis: frequent, underdiagnosed, and undertreated

R A Marrie1, R Horwitz, G Cutter

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. rmarrie@hsc.mb.ca

Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 21, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mental health conditions are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) but often missed. Lower socioeconomic status is linked to higher rates of depression in MS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mental comorbidity is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Existing research suggests mental health issues in MS are frequently underrecognized and undertreated.
  • This highlights a critical gap in patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of mental comorbidities in individuals with MS.
  • To identify sociodemographic factors associated with the diagnosis and treatment of depression in MS patients.
  • To assess the prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated depression within the MS population.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the North American Research Committee on MS Registry.
  • Surveyed participants on depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
  • Assessed depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD), with scores ≥21 indicating probable major depression.

Main Results:

  • Nearly half of responders (48%) reported mental comorbidity, with depression being the most common (46%).
  • A significant portion (16.2%) of those not reporting mental comorbidity had scores indicative of undiagnosed depression.
  • Lower socioeconomic status correlated with increased odds of depression, undiagnosed depression, and untreated depression.

Conclusions:

  • Mental comorbidity in MS continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated.
  • Individuals with lower socioeconomic status experience a disproportionately higher burden of depression in the context of MS.
  • Addressing mental health disparities is crucial for improving MS patient outcomes.

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