Depression in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Introduction: Multiple sclerosis patients have high levels of depression and anxiety, which necessitates advisory, therapeutic and targeted education interventions in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of interventions for the treatment of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: The search of electronic information was performed using multiple sclerosis keywords, depression in MS patients, interventions in depression in MS patients, psychiatric interventions in MS. The bases studied were Iran Medex, Science Database (SID) Pub Med, Mag Iran, Scopus. Results: 49 studies aimed at investigating the effects of interventions in treating depression in patients with MS. Finally, interventions were categorized in six areas. The interventions were from the most useful to the least useful in the following areas: cognitive-behavioral interventions, exercise and relaxation, education, group therapy, model-based interventions and psychological models, drug interventions. Conclusions: The results of the studies indicate that interventions have had a positive effect on the reduction of depression in MS patients, but more attention is being paid to less costly and accessible interventions based on education and family-centered approach by the researcher.