Prevalence of psychological disorders among patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of psychiatric disorders, especially mood and anxiety disorders, in a multiple sclerosis center sample of patients with multiple sclerosis in Syria, and its association with sociodemographic and clinical data. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study, patients were evaluated consecutively, for clinical assessment, a structured interview (MINI) was used for the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, and the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms of the Beck Inventory scale was used. Results: The lifetime prevalence of major depression was 40% in this population, as well as the risk of suicide, and there was no clear association between depression, degree of disability, duration of illness, or interferon beta use. Conclusion: The prevalence of mood disorders is high in MS. depression is an important factor related to suicide risk and should be systematically examined.