Frontiers in Neurology (Aug 2017)

Behavioral Changes in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

  • Mirjam R. Heldner,
  • Sigal Kaufmann-Ezra,
  • Klemens Gutbrod,
  • Corrado Bernasconi,
  • Sandra Bigi,
  • Verena Blatter,
  • Heinrich P. Mattle,
  • René M. Müri,
  • Rajeev K. Verma,
  • Christian P. Kamm,
  • Christian P. Kamm

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2017.00437
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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BackgroundBehavioral changes are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), however not as readily recognized as cognitive impairments.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze behavioral changes and its relation to disease characteristics, disability, and cognitive impairments in patients with MS.MethodThis is a single-center cross-sectional study. A detailed neuropsychological examination, including the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), the Beck depression inventory (BDI), and the Wuerzburg Fatigue Inventory for Multiple Sclerosis (WEIMuS) test, was performed. FrSBe results were correlated with disease characteristics, disability, and cognitive assessments.Results66 patients were enrolled (mean age: 43.4 years; disease duration: 9.3 years; Expanded Disability Status Scale: 3.0). Up to one third of patients showed behavioral changes in at least one domain or the total score of the FrSBe. Patients were mildly affected with regard to cognitive functioning. Consistent correlation was found between behavioral changes and fatigue (WEIMuS) and depressive symptoms (BDI), but not with disease characteristics, disability, or cognitive functions. There was an increase of behavioral changes on all FrSBe scales in the current status compared to the retrospectively rated status before disease onset. Self- and family ratings with regard to current behavioral changes were similar.ConclusionBehavioral changes are common in otherwise mildly affected MS patients with up to one third being affected. In this patient cohort, behavioral changes occur largely independent of disease characteristics, physical disability, and cognitive functioning but correlate with both fatigue and depressive symptoms. Therefore, they should be tested specifically.

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