New insights on depression in multiple sclerosis – a literature review

Abstract

Nowadays, the success of multiple sclerosis therapy does not only mean the absence of relapses or the existence of a stationary clinical status under disease-modifying therapy, but the maintenance of a high quality of life index. Thus, in recent years, the attention of neurologists has focused on the relationship between depression and MS, depression being the most important factor influencing the MS patient’s quality of life. In this regard, the article aims to present a selection of the most important scientific data published during the last 5 years on this topic. Structured in two parts, the initial issue discussed is the etiopathogenesis of depression in MS, with focus on the presentation of theories on the causes of depressive symptoms in demyelinating disease, as well as the intricate relationship between the two clinical entities. Subsequently, the article focuses on capturing the latest developments in currently available pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic means and future prospects for treatment.

Keywords

• multiple sclerosis
• depression
• ethiopathogeny
• treatment