BALLER LAB
Information for Patients
Depression and Multiple Sclerosis
Continue reading to understand more about mood changes that often accompany MS, the doctors who are committed to helping this population, and how a better understanding of depression and MS can improve clinical care!
Understanding the relationship between depression and multiple sclerosis
The relationship between depression and MS was identified as early as 1877 by Jean-Martin Charcot, one of the foremost pioneers of modern neurology. He noted that patients who had MS often had co-occurring mood changes. We now know that up to 50% of people with MS will experience depression throughout their lives. In fact, depression in MS is associated with a suicide rate double that of persons without MS. The rate of depression in MS is also higher that depression comorbidity in other chronic autoimmune diseases, suggesting that the brain injury specific to MS might contribute to the risk.
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Despite the clear overlap between depression and MS, their association is not well-understood. Scientists have suggested that injury to key brain areas may contribute to specific symptoms. In our work, we aim to understand whether white matter lesions in fibers that support brain regions important for mood contribute to depression in MS.
What is Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry?
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CL) is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on caring for people who have both mental illnesses and medical comorbidities. Many CL psychiatrists work in hospitals taking care of patients who are admitted for medical problems or surgery. They partner with other hospital physicians taking care of the patient to make sure their mental health needs are met while they undergo medical care. CL psychiatrists also practice in the community and support mental health needs of patients outside of the hospital. More information can be found here.
Healthcare Applications
If we better understand the relationship between MS and depression, we hope to be able to screen people earlier and find them psychiatric care faster. We believe that giving patients a better understanding of why they feel the way they do will further empower them throughout their MS treatment.