Improving the detection and treatment of depression in Australians with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative analysis.

Mult Scler Relat Disord

Medicine Monash Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Department of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. Electronic address:

Published: November 2021

AI Article Synopsis

  • Depression is prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet many cases remain undetected or inadequately treated.
  • A study with 26 Australians with MS found that 73% reported severe depression symptoms, highlighting insufficient formal assessments and limited information provided by healthcare services.
  • Recommendations for improvement include better information dissemination, regular mental health screenings, and enhanced collaboration between general practitioners and MS care teams.

Article Abstract

Background: Depression is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet often goes undetected, untreated or undertreated.

Objective: This qualitative research explored current practices, barriers and facilitators for detection and treatment of depression in Australians with MS.

Methods: Participants were 26 people with MS recruited through social media. Participants completed the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression-Revised (CESD-R) scale and in-depth telephone or video interviews. Interviews were analysed using framework analysis.

Results: Scores measured on the CESD-R proposed 73% of participants were experiencing severe depression symptoms. Participants reported that depression is not regularly and formally assessed through MS healthcare services and they are offered limited information about depression in MS. Barriers to mental health support included recognition of depression, resistance to treatment and limitations of collaborative support between general practitioners and MS healthcare services. Participants expressed a need for open conversations and information about depression during neurology consultations.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, improved detection and treatment of depression in people with MS requires: 1) better provision of information about depression for people with MS through healthcare services and community organisations; 2) regular screening and assessment; 3) better healthcare services collaboration to improve management.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2021.103290DOI Listing

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