Depression and anxiety in multiple system atrophy

BackgroundIt has been noticed that the patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) can accompany with depression and anxiety. This study aimed to establish the incidence and determinants of depression and anxiety symptoms in Chinese MSA patients. MethodsA total of 237 MSA patients were enrolled in the study. Neuropsychological assessment was performed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 items and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. ResultsWe found that 62.0% and 71.7% patients had at least mild depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The severity of depression of MSA patients was associated with lower educational years (P=.024), longer disease duration (P<.001), and disease severity (P<.001). The severity of anxiety was associated with increased disease duration (P<.001), disease severity (P=.013), and orthostatic hypotension (P=.005). Binary logistic regression showed the determinants of depression and anxiety were female gender, longer disease duration, and disease severity. ConclusionDepression and anxiety symptoms are common in patients with MSA. Neurologists should pay attention to depression and anxiety in patients with MSA, especially in female patients and those with longer disease duration and severe disease condition.