Impact of depression and fatigue on relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

To determine relationship between fatigue, depression with the registration in multiple sclerosis (MS) society activity, and stress with the risk developing a new attack in patients with Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This was a cohort retrospective study conducted in the KSA between July 2018 and July 2019 which included a total of 465 RRMS patients. Data were collected during interviews using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Modified Fatigue Impacts Scale (MFIS). Demographic and clinical data were also collected. Original Article Results: Of 465 participants, 317 expressed psychological stress before the last attack, 67 of whom developed an attack within 4 weeks, and 250 of whom developed an attack after 4 weeks. Significantly lower BDI scores were associated with registration in MS associations (p=0.003, df = 5). Significantly lower MFIS scores were associated with registration in MS associations (p=0.001, df = 5). Conclusion: The majority of RRMS patients have a significant fatigue and depression, and there are significant relationships between registration in the MS society and MFIS and BDI scores where patients who officially registered in MS society have lower score in MFIS and BDI. we recommend regular follow-ups with a psychologist and/or registration with MS societies.

Registry of patients with multiple sclerosis and COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia

“…One such disease is multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune demyelinating inflammatory disorder of the CNS (12), affecting over 2.8 million people worldwide in a 2:1 female to male ratio (13). Patients with MS are predominantly treated with immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which alter the immune response, potentially increasing the risk of infection (9,14).…”

Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: Clinical, Social, and Psychological Aspects of the Disease

“…Several studies attempted to address the correlation between MS and depression [ 10 ]. In Saudi Arabia, there is limited current literature about the incidence and relationship between depression and MS [ 18 - 19 ]. In a meta-analysis conducted by Etemadifar et al, there is limited availability of data with varied quality scores, diagnostic criteria, sample size, and methods [ 20 ].…”

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia

“…6 Several pre-pandemic studies in the KSA found greater levels of depression, along with significant impacts on quality of life, among MS sufferers. [7][8][9][10][11] Compared with age-matched healthy individuals and persons with other chronic illnesses, PwMS had higher levels of anxiety and depression. 12 Acute stress is also associated with relapses in PwMS.…”

“… 6 Several pre-pandemic studies in the KSA found greater levels of depression, along with significant impacts on quality of life, among MS sufferers. 7 – 11 …”