Depression and anxiety

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is very common in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), with a lifetime prevalence of up to 50 % [1]. In the last 15-20 years various studies have revealed that the annual prevalence of MDD in MS is higher compared both to the general population and people with different chronic medical conditions. In MS patients aged between 18 and 45, an annual prevalence of 25.7 % has been reported [2]. Interestingly, psychological distress in MS patients is associated with neurological disability, but is also present in patients with minimal or no neurological disability. Major Depression and affective disturbances in general are identified as an independent predictor for MS-related quality of life [3].