Depression Not Related to Disease Modifying Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: Presented at ENS

By Thomas S. May

RHODES, GREECE -- June 19, 2007 -- Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) often become depressed, and it is commonly believed that the depression is related to disease modifying treatment (DMT) with Interferon-beta. However, the results of a new study presented here at the 17th Meeting of the European Neurological Society (ENS) contradict this notion.

The study was performed by Stephen Kirzinger, MD, assistant professor, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States, and colleagues, and it involved a retrospective chart review of 112 patients with MS who had been treated either with Interferon-beta or with Glatiramer Acetate (GA) for up to 48 months.

To determine the relationship between DMT and depressive symptoms, patients were evaluated for depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline (within 6 weeks of initiating a DMT) and at each subsequent visit. In addition, patients' response to DMT was also evaluated using various measures such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and the CogniStat (to assess cognitive impairment).

To be included in the study, patients must have completed a BDI within 6 weeks of starting their DMT. Sixty-seven subjects fulfilled this criterion and were included in the analysis. Forty-two had been exclusively on Interferon-beta and 25 received GA therapy.

An analysis of the results revealed no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups with respect to the presence of depression, the investigators reported. They also noted that treatment with antidepressant medication did not significantly alter the results. Patients on Interferon-beta had a mean BDI score of 12.3 (SD=8), whereas patients treated with GA had a mean score of 12.1 (SD=7.7).

These findings do not support the common perception that disease modifying therapy with Interferon-beta is associated with depressive symptoms, the researchers concluded.


[Presentation title: Depression: Relationship to Disease-modifying Therapy. Abstract P284]

Role of Exercise in Mental Problems

By: Juliet Cohen


The term, ‘mental health problem' covers a wide range of problems which affect someone's ability to get on with their daily life. Causes of mental illness also vary, but may result from genetics, trauma, biological factors such as infections or toxins, or neuroplasticity resulting from psychological or anthropological factors. Mental health problems can affect anyone, of any age and background, as well as having an impact on the people around them such as their family, friends and carers. Symptoms of mental illness greatly vary dependent upon the specific disorder, but may include mild to chronic forms of depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, difficulties with attention, loss of cognitive abilities, or the presence of hallucinations or delusions. Mental health professionals will treat mental disorders differently using one or a combination of psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, case management, or other practices.

Mental health problems result from a complex interaction of biological, social and psychological factors, but are still usually discussed in medical terms. Multiple sclerosis does cause mental illness and psychiatric conditions, other than depression, and these psychiatric conditions are relatively common. Most people recover from their mental health problems. Long -term problems can lead to considerable disruption and difficulty in people's lives, but many of the people affected find ways of managing their problems and are able to lead active lives. People with mental health problems need help and support to enable them to cope with their illness. There are many treatment options, including medication, counselling, psychotherapy, complementary therapies and self help strategies.

Sometimes people with mental health problems are discriminated against. This can lead to social problems such as homelessness, and may make the mental health problem worse. Environmental events surrounding pregnancy and birth have been linked to an increased development of mental illness in the offspring. This includes maternal exposure to serious psychological stress or trauma, conditions of famine, obstetric birth complications, infections, and gestational exposure to alcohol or cocaine. Minority ethnic groups, including first or second-generation immigrants, have been found to be at greater risk for developing mental disorders, which has been attributed to various kinds of life insecurities and disadvantages, including racism. Mental health professionals treat mental disorders differently using one or a combination of psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, case management, or other practices. The major treatment options for mental disorders are psychiatric medication and psychotherapy.

Exercise In Mental And Other Problems:

Exercise helped to relieve the symptoms of depression and more than half said it helped to reduce stress and anxiety. Regular aerobic exercise will clear the cobwebs and help your brain to function more efficiently. Physical fitness does not come easy. The best strategy is to gradually increase the duration of your exercise sessions and, along with enhancing your physical fitness, your mental muscle will also begin to take shape. Many people with mental health problems use physical exercise to make them feel better, a survey has found. Mind found that people with mental health problems were more likely to get their exercise from everyday activities like walking, housework and gardening.
Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com


Juliet Cohen writes articles for medical diseases. She also writes articles for depression treatment and cancer treatment.