The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional multi-centered study

Abstract

Introduction Multiple sclerosis is considered one of the leading causes of neurological non-traumatic disability among young people. Given the chronic progressive nature of the disease, psychiatric disorders are more prevalent among those patients as reported in the literature; however, the data in Saudi Arabia is lacking. Objectives The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among MS patient in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a cross-sectional multi-centered study, including patients with multiple sclerosis. Participants were interviewed and asked to fill a validated survey that consisted of demographics, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the analysis were made using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and ANOVA tests as appropriate. Results A total of 192 participants were included in the study. Based on a cutoff score of > 10 in the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales, the prevalence of anxiety was 26.1% (n-50), with majority of the participants having minimal anxiety (40%); meanwhile, the prevalence of depression was 42.7% (n=82), and most of them had mild depression (30%). [table 1, image 1 and 2] Females participants significantly scored higher in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 compared to males (p-value= 0.0376 and 0.1134, respectively). [table 2 and 3] In addition, no significant association was detected between functional disability (EDSS score) and the prevalence of anxiety and depression.table 1 Items GAD 7 score, Mean (SD) 6.5 (±4.9) GAD 7, N (%) Fit for Anxiety (>10) * 50 (26%) Not Fit for Anxiety (10) * 82 (42.7%) Not Fit for Depression (<10) * 110 (57.3%) table 2 Fit for Anxiety (n=50) Not Fit for Anxiety (n=142) P Value Gender, N (%) - Male 10 (20%) 51 (35.9%) 0.0376 - Female 40 (80%) 91 (64.1%) table 3 N(%) Fit for Depression (n=82) Not Fit for Depression (n=110) P Value Gender, N (%) - Male 21 (25.6%) 40 (36.4%) 0.1134 - Female 61 (74.4%) 70 (63.6%) Image: Image 2: Conclusions This study reported high level of anxiety and depression among MS patients, with females being more affected. Since these co-morbid disorders could affect the disease course negatively, screening is of paramount significance. Disclosure of Interest None Declared