Depression screening in Black Americans with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Depression is common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and affects treatment adherence.
• Black patients with MS may be at higher risk for undiagnosed depression, impacting disease progression and quality of life.
• Existing disparities may limit access to mental health services for Black individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical presentation of depression in Black and White patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
• To identify differences in psychiatric history, current symptoms, and treatment recommendations between racial groups.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of depression screening in an MS population.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of archival data from 279 Multiple Sclerosis patients (90 Black).
• Utilized a validated depression screening instrument to identify patients at risk.
• Compared psychiatric histories, psychotropic medication use, and provider treatment recommendations between Black and White patients.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in depression scores were found between Black and White MS patients.
• Black patients were less likely than White patients to have a past mental health diagnosis or prior/current psychotropic treatment.
• Approximately 44% of patients received treatment recommendations after positive screening, with no racial disparities in recommendation rates.

Conclusions:

• Depression screening may help identify at-risk individuals across racial groups in MS settings.
• Findings highlight historical underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health conditions in Black patients with MS.
• Screening programs can potentially reduce health disparities and improve access to care for Black Americans with MS.