title: Characterization of major depression symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients.
abstract: Retrospective review of affective disturbances in 238 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) seen over a 6-month period revealed: 1) 51 patients (22%) received pharmacologic treatment for depressive symptoms during or within 4 years of the study period, and 17 (7%) received treatment for rapid mood swings; 2) among the 51 depressed patients, response rate to medication was extremely high; 3) relapse of depressive symptomatology after discontinuation of medication was also high (17/29); 4) first episodes of major depression frequently occurred during periods of MS progression or exacerbation, but first episodes also occurred during periods of relative clinical stability; 5) suicidal ideation was common (12 patients), but only 1 patient had a history of attempted suicide; and 6) side effects were tolerable in most patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents