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Depression as a major symptom of multiple sclerosis
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experienced more severe depression episodes than those with other chronic neurological diseases. This suggests serious affective disorder can be an early or complicating symptom of MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Depression is a common comorbidity in neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of severe depression episodes in patients with MS versus those with other chronic neurological diseases.
- To investigate the relationship between depression and MS onset and progression.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study design.
- Inclusion of 30 patients with MS and 30 patients with other chronic neurological diseases.
- Assessment of disability and depression history.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the degree of disability between the two groups.
- Patients with MS reported more episodes of severe depression.
- Depression occurred both before and after the onset of neurological symptoms in MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Serious affective disorder may present as an initial symptom of MS.
- Depression can be a complicating feature in the course of MS.
- Further research into the link between MS and affective disorders is warranted.