Depressive Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis and the Association with Sociodemographic Factors and Functional Status

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate the relations between depression and sociodemographic factors and functional status. Patients and Methods: Seventy MS cases who applied to the neurology outpatient clinic within a one-year period were included. As a data collecting device, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), mini- mental state examination (MMSE), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and functional independence measurement (FIM) were used. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to obtain sociodemographic data. Results: Depression measured by BDI was identified in 15 (21.4%) of the patients. There was no statistical difference between the cases with depression and without depression in terms of age, gender, education, and marital status (p> 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of disease duration, EDSS, MMSE and FIM (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Depression after MS is frequent but it is not associated with sociodemographic factors or functional outcome.