Suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Journal: Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
Published:
Abstract

Background: Psychiatric disorders frequently occur in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, limited reports are available on these comorbidities. We aimed to investigate the relationships among MS, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Methods: One hundred and thirty two patients with relapsing-remitting MS were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results: A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to evaluate the variables. The regression equation significantly predicted the BSI score (R2 = 0.306; adjusted R2 = 0.273; F (9, 125) = 9.18; p < 0.0005), and the BDI-II score was the only variable that contributed significantly to this model (p < 0.0005).

Conclusions: A high prevalence of depression and anxiety, and a higher rate of suicidal ideation were identified in MS patients compared to the general population. The presence of depressive symptoms appeared to have a direct influence on the risk of suicide.

Authors
Carlos Tauil, Talyta Grippe, Ronaldo Dias, Rafael Paternò Dias Carneiro, Narel Carneiro, Ana Carolina Aguilar, Flávia Martins Silva, Felipe Bezerra, Leonardo Kenzo Almeida, Vitoria Massarente, Elaine De Giovannelli, Charles Tilbery, Carlos Brandão, Leonilda Maria Santos, Leopoldo Santos Neto