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Depression and anxiety in a Portuguese MS population: associations with physical disability and severity of disease

Ana Martins da Silva1, Estela Vilhena, Alice Lopes

  • 1Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar do Porto-Hospital de S. António (CHP-HSA), Porto, Portugal. anadmsilva@yahoo.com

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|April 19, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multiple Sclerosis patients experience higher anxiety and depression. Physical symptoms and lower education levels are linked to increased mood disorder severity in MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, are prevalent in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
  • Established links between specific clinical features and mood disorders in MS patients remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify anxiety and depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.
  • To explore potential associations between clinical factors and mood disorders in MS.

Main Methods:

  • The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered to 325 MS patients and 183 healthy controls.
  • Regression analyses (Multiple, Multivariate, Logistic) assessed demographic and clinical factors' impact on HADS scores, controlling for age and disease duration.

Main Results:

  • MS patients exhibited significantly higher anxiety and depression levels than healthy subjects (p<0.001).
  • Depression scores correlated positively with age, disease duration, age at onset, and disability (EDSS, MSSS).
  • Lower education (<9 years) was significantly associated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms in MS patients.

Conclusions:

  • Findings confirm a strong connection between depressive mood and the physical aspects of Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Clinical manifestations of MS significantly influence mood disorder prevalence and severity.

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