Impact of depression and fatigue on relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine relationship between fatigue, depression with the registration in multiple sclerosis (MS) society activity, and stress with the risk developing a new attack in patients with Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: This was a cohort retrospective study conducted in the KSA between July 2018 and July 2019 which included a total of 465 RRMS patients. Data were collected during interviews using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Modified Fatigue Impacts Scale (MFIS). Demographic and clinical data were also collected. RESULTS: Of 465 participants, 317 expressed psychological stress before the last attack, 67 of whom developed an attack within 4 weeks, and 250 of whom developed an attack after 4 weeks. Significantly lower BDI scores were associated with registration in MS associations (p=0.003, df = 5). Significantly lower MFIS scores were associated with registration in MS associations (p=0.001, df = 5). CONCLUSION: The majority of RRMS patients have a significant fatigue and depression, and there are significant relationships between registration in the MS society and MFIS and BDI scores where patients who officially registered in MS society have lower score in MFIS and BDI. we recommend regular follow-ups with a psychologist and/or registration with MS societies.

Association of acute stress with multiple sclerosis onset and relapse in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is a relationship between acute stress and either the onset or relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS) and to discover how different types of acute stressors may be involved. Methods:  This study was carried out in Saudi Arabia between September 2017 and June 2018 and involved King Fahad University Hospital in Eastern province, Arfa Multiple Sclerosis Society in the Central and Western province of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using an Arabic self-constructed questionnaire consisted of 4 sections: 1) demographic data and time of diagnosis; 2) emotional/psychological stressors; 3) environmental/physical stressors; and 4) 4 specific stressors measuring their effect on the severity and recurrence of attacks. Results: A total of 370 patients participated in the study. Almost half of patients reported no effect of family problems on their disease, whereas the other reported that family problems have an impact on the onset or relapse of the disease. Majority of patients reported that work and social life stressors affect the recurrence of attacks. Cold weather showed no effect on MS; however, hot weather and physical activity increased the number of attacks. Continuous thinking about social stress and problems, mood swings, and sleep deprivation showed an impact on the severity and recurrence of attacks. Financial problems showed no effect.  Conclusion: Study indicates that an association exists between acute stress and relapse in MS but not the disease onset.