Prevalence, co-occurrence, and trajectories of pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety in the year following multiple sclerosis diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety are common in multiple sclerosis, but little is known about the presence, co-occurrence, and trajectories of these symptoms in the year after multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. Objectives: To determine, during the postdiagnosis year: (1) rates of pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety; (2) rates of symptom co-occurrence; and (3) stability/change in symptom severity. Methods: Newly diagnosed adults with MS/clinically isolated syndrome ( N = 230) completed self-report measures of pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after MS diagnosis. Clinical significance was defined based on standardized cutoffs. Descriptive statistics and Sankey diagrams characterized rates and trajectories. Results: Participants endorsed clinically significant symptoms at some point in the postdiagnosis year at rates of 50.9% for pain, 62.6% for fatigue, 47.4% for depression, and 38.7% for anxiety. A majority of patients exhibited co-occurring symptoms—21.3% with two, 19.1% with three, and 17.4% with four. The proportions of patients with clinically significant symptoms were generally stable over time; however, rates of symptom development/recovery revealed fluctuations at the individual level. Conclusions: Pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety are prevalent in newly diagnosed MS. Prompt screening and evidence-based interventions are necessary if quality of life is to be optimized.