A nurse-led mental health service for people with multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Mental health problems are under recognised and under treated in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
A nurse-led project linking MS and mental health services was evaluated. Data on all referrals and management from 2006 to 2008 were collected prospectively.


RESULTS
127 referrals were received. 82% had depression, 53% had anxiety (45% both). 42% were offered case management; 52% received Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), 55% required initiation or alteration of psychiatric medications and 19% were referred to secondary care; 16% had made suicidal plans. Significant improvements in depression at 6months occurred, but not anxiety or fatigue.


CONCLUSIONS
This service provides a model of mental health provision for patients with long term neurological conditions, in particular MS.
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing & Midwifery, Room 1.17, James Clerk Maxwell Building, London, United Kingdom. sally.askey-jones@kcl.ac.uk
Sally
S
Askey-Jones
Eli
E
Silber
Pauline
P
Shaw
Richard
R
Gray
Anthony S
AS
David
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D055815:Young Adult
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents