Depression and Multiple Sclerosis

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from depression at rates that are much higher than those of healthy individuals and even those with other neurologic conditions. Nonetheless, depression in MS is often underrecognized and undertreated. Recent research has revealed that depression in MS is associated with specific immunopathological alterations and brain changes seen using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Individuals with MS have significantly higher rates of suicide than are found in the general population. Depression is a highly treatable condition, and it is essential for the clinician to be alert to the possibility of its occurrence in patients with MS. Patients with symptoms of depression should be referred for immediate psychiatric evaluation.