Treatment of depression in people who have multiple sclerosis

Depression is common among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research suggests that treatments for depression are effective in this population, though few patients appear to access these treatments. Our objectives were to consider whether persons with MS and significant depressive symptoms, prompted to seek treatment by letter, did so, what professionals they consulted, and the benefits of any treatment obtained. A total of 495 individuals with MS (401 female; 94 male), aged 22-65 years (mean: 45.8 years), were surveyed in three phases at yearly intervals. Significant depressive symptoms were found over the three phases (50-60.2%). Despite a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, few participants sought treatment, even though prompted to do so. Where treatment was sought, general practitioners remained the principal group consulted. Contrary to previous reports of the efficacy of treatment in clinical trials, no strong support for this was found. Future research needs to consider why the majority of people with MS do not seek treatment for depression, and why interventions, which are not clinical trials, seem to lack effectiveness.