Drug Management of Psychiatric Co-morbidity in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with a higher risk of psychiatric comorbidities that have an impact on the evolution, prognosis, and quality of life of patients. Despite this observation, evidence-based data on the treatment of these psychiatric conditions are rather sparse. Selective serotonergic recapture inhibitors and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors can be considered as the first-choice treatment for depression or anxiety disorder in MS patients. Second-generation antipsychotics are of interest in MS patients suffering of bipolar disorder, compared to lithium or anticonvulsants. They also have an efficacy on psychotic symptoms observed in MS patients. Adherence to treatment is also an important topic in these patients and needs to be evaluated and improved using psychoeducation programs. According to the consequences of psychiatric comorbidities, research on the efficacy of psychotropic drugs in MS patients must be developed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)