Depression and anxiety amongst multiple sclerosis patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety amongst multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and the associations with demographic and clinical characteristics. The current treatment for depression and anxiety was also evaluated amongst the MS patients. A total of 140 MS patients from Eastern Norway underwent neuropsychiatric and clinical examinations, with registration of symptoms of depression and anxiety (Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25), as well as information about any help seeking for depression were obtained. A total of 31.4% patients reported symptoms of depression, whilst 19.3% reported anxiety; both symptoms were significantly higher than that amongst the general population (P < 0.001). Fatigue and younger age at onset were significantly associated with symptoms of depression, whilst fatigue and pain, lower Expanded Disability Status Scale score and younger age at onset were associated with symptoms of anxiety. The proportion of reported treatment of depression was 15.9% and for anxiety 11.1%. Of untreated patients with symptoms, 18.2% expressed the need for treatment. A greater focus on depression and anxiety amongst MS patients is needed to establish the appropriate treatment for patients suffering from MS.

Pain and sensory complaints in multiple sclerosis.

Pain is a frequent and disabling symptom among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The importance of this problem was investigated in a hospital based MS population. A total of 142 MS patients underwent neurological examination and a structured interview for registration of pain and sensory symptoms. One-hundred and five patients reported sensory and/or pain symptoms. Pain was reported by 93 patients and was most frequently located in the limbs and lumbar region. The presence of pain was independent of gender, age at onset and examination, disability, disease course and duration. The most frequently reported characteristics of the symptoms were paresthesia, neuralgia and deep muscular aching. About 40% of the patients reported that the symptoms had important influence on daily activities. Only one-third of the patients were treated for their pain. Pain is a frequent and disabling symptom, independent of demographic and clinical variables in MS patients. The low frequency of treatment for these symptoms indicates a need for improved attention to this problem.