Is there a multiple sclerosis personality? Personality characteristics in newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis and association with mood and cognition

Author(s):  
Laura Chu ◽  
Courtney Casserly ◽  
Heather Rosehart ◽  
Sarah A. Morrow
Author(s):  
Kevin N. Alschuler ◽  
Daniel Whibley ◽  
Anna L. Kratz ◽  
Mark P. Jensen ◽  
Annette Wundes ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia DiGiuseppe ◽  
Mervin Blair ◽  
Sarah A. Morrow

Abstract Background: Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can manifest early in the disease process, sometimes as early as the first demyelinating event. However, the frequency of cognitive impairment in a newly diagnosed MS population has not been evaluated comprehensively in a clinical population. We sought to examine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) within a year of diagnosis in a clinic where cognitive testing at diagnosis is part of routine practice. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of persons with RRMS assessed in a cognitive MS clinic identified 107 patients assessed by the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis battery within 1 year of a confirmed RRMS diagnosis. Results: The cohort was predominantly female (n = 82 [76.6%]) and white (n = 93 [86.9%]). Only 36 patients (33.6%) were diagnosed as having RRMS based on a second clinical event. Processing speed was the most frequently impaired domain (n = 38 [35.5%]). Only 37 patients (34.6%) were within normal limits on all cognitive domains. Regarding mood symptoms, 25 patients (23.4%) were positive for depressive symptoms; 59 (55.1%), for anxiety. Severe fatigue was correlated with a lower score on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (r = −0.380, P < .001), and higher depressive scores were correlated with lower performance on the SDMT (r = −0.397, P < .001) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (r = −0.254, P = .009). Conclusions: Cognitive impairment, specifically processing speed, and mood symptoms are frequently present in persons with newly diagnosed RRMS.


Author(s):  
Michael J.L. Sullivan ◽  
Brian Weinshenker ◽  
Samuel Mikail ◽  
Scott R. Bishop

AbstractBackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with a high risk of developing major depression, but depression in MS patients frequently goes undetected and untreated. The current study examined the clinical utility of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as a screening measure for major depression in newly diagnosed MS patients.MethodsForty-six new referrals to an MS clinic completed the BDI and participated in a structured interview for major depression, within 2 months of the diagnosis of MS.ResultsAccording to DSM-III-R criteria, 40% of patients were diagnosed with major depression, 22% had adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and 37% showed no evidence of mood disorder. Sensitivity and specificity values, and positive and negative predictive values are reported for every BDI cut-off score between 9 and 21.ConclusionsA BDI cut-off score of 13 (sensitivity = .71, specificity = .79) is recommended as optimal for use in screening for major depression in newly diagnosed MS patients. The use of the BDI as a screening measure for major depression must proceed with caution given that a cut-off score of 13 still yielded a false-negative rate of 30%.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 363-374
Author(s):  
Virginia Meca-Lallana ◽  
Rafael Arroyo-González ◽  
José Meca-Lallana ◽  
Javier Martín-Hernández ◽  
Rainel Sánchez-de la Rosa

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