Risk factors for depression in multiple sclerosis patients

Aim: A search of the English language literature found only one study that reported there was no relationship between depression and functional systems impairment based on Kurtzke's functional systems score in MS patients. The present cross-sectional study was planned to test that result. Materials and Methods: The study included 37 relapsing-remitting MS patients (25 female, 12 male) with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score <= 5.5. The patients underwent a complete neurological and psychiatric examination during a clinically stable phase of their illness. Results: Twenty out of the 37 MS patients (54.1%) were determined to have depression. While cerebellar functional system impairment was observed in 15 of the 20 depressed MS patients (75%), it was observed in only 7 of the 17 MS patients without depression (41.2%) (P = 0.037). Cerebellar findings in neurological examination (OR = 7.6, P = 0.022) and a history of depression (OR = 9.7, P = 0.032) were significantly associated with having depression in MS patients. Conclusions: Cerebellar findings in neurological examination and history of depression were independent risk factors for the presence of depression in MS patients during a clinically stable phase of their illness.