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Published on: June 30, 2014
Racial identity, marginalization, and depression in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis
Paul Yejong Yoo1, Auva Zarandi2, Samantha Stephens3
1Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Racialized identity is linked to higher depression in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) but not in acquired demyelinating syndromes. Neighborhood marginalization may also impact depression in pediatric MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) patients exhibit greater depressive symptoms than those with monophasic acquired demyelinating syndromes (mono-ADS).
- The interplay of racial identity, marginalization, and depression in these pediatric populations remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between racial identity, neighborhood marginalization, and depression in individuals with POMS compared to mono-ADS.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of existing data including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-DC) and racial identity information.
- Data were linked with Canadian Marginalization Index scores for POMS and mono-ADS cohorts from The Hospital for Sick Children.
- Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Racialized identity correlated with increased depressive symptoms in POMS (RR=1.50), but not in mono-ADS (RR=0.83).
- Black individuals (n=11) with POMS were more likely to reside in highly marginalized neighborhoods regarding material resources (OR=12.7) compared to White individuals.
- In racialized POMS patients, higher depression scores were associated with lower neighborhood socioeconomic status (r=-0.27).
Conclusions:
- Racialized identity is a significant factor associated with elevated depressive symptoms specifically in POMS, unlike in mono-ADS.
- Racial identity and neighborhood marginalization are potential influencers of depression in pediatric MS.
- Further longitudinal research is recommended to establish causality.
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