Are depression and anxiety early signs of MS?

Are depression and anxiety early signs of MS?

Psychiatric Symptoms May be Early Indicators of Multiple Sclerosis, New Study Suggests

Depression and Anxiety - Early Indicators of Multiple Sclerosis Image Source: Liliya Rodnikova/Stocksy

Psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia 1. The study investigated administrative and clinical data from British Columbia, Canada, and found that individuals who eventually developed MS had a higher prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in the years leading up to diagnosis 2.

MS is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is believed to be caused by an immune system malfunction that damages the protective layer, called myelin, which surrounds the nerves 3. The disease can also result in damage to the brain’s gray matter, leading to shrinkage of the cerebral cortex, known as cortical atrophy 4.

While MS manifests differently in each individual, typical symptoms include vision loss, double vision, weakness, numbness or tingling, and balance problems 5. Previous research by lead author Dr. Helen Tremlett proposed a “prodromal period” for MS, where early symptoms may appear before the onset of significant MS symptoms. These prodromal symptoms may include sleep disorders, fatigue, anemia, and pain 6.

The recent study adds psychiatric symptoms to the list of potential prodromal symptoms 7. The researchers analyzed data from two cohorts: an “administrative cohort” based on claims of demyelination, which included 6,863 cases of MS and 31,865 controls, and a “clinical cohort” based on the onset of MS symptoms, which included 966 cases of MS and 4,534 controls 8. In both cohorts, individuals who eventually developed MS had a higher incidence of psychiatric issues compared to controls 9:

  • Administrative Cohort: 28% vs. 14.9%
  • Clinical Cohort: 22% vs. 14.1% 10

Furthermore, healthcare utilization, including psychiatric sessions, prescriptions, and hospitalizations, was higher among individuals in the administrative cohort who later developed MS, demonstrating an increase in frequency leading up to the appearance of MS symptoms 11.

Early detection of MS can significantly impact disease management and prognosis. Prompt diagnosis allows for the timely initiation of disease-modifying therapies that can limit future damage and slow disease progression 12. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle choices, such as physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can also contribute to disease management 13.

The connection between psychiatric prodromal symptoms and the eventual symptoms of MS remains unclear, but researchers hypothesize that the mechanisms driving mental health-related issues after MS onset may also be at play before MS diagnosis. Loss of myelin could potentially be one of the mechanisms underlying these symptoms 14. Decreasing inflammation early on may help decrease disability progression in the later years 15.

In conclusion, the presence of psychiatric symptoms, along with other prodromal symptoms, may serve as early warning signs of multiple sclerosis. Identifying these indicators can lead to earlier recognition and treatment, improving the overall prognosis for individuals with MS. It is crucial for individuals experiencing potential prodromal symptoms to seek medical attention and receive the necessary support and interventions to manage the disease effectively 16.

References

  1. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  2. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  3. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  4. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  5. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  6. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  7. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  8. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  9. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  10. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  11. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  12. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  13. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  14. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  15. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

  16. Medical News Today. (2023, October 10). Psychiatric issues may be early indicators of multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychiatric-issues-may-be-early-indicators-of-multiple-sclerosis↩︎

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