Surviving a global pandemic: The experience of depression, anxiety, and loneliness among individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background The world has been experiencing one of the most significant worldwide health pandemics in modern history. The result has been increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness in the general population. However, populations who demonstrated pre-pandemic emotional disturbance and social isolation, such as individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), are likely uniquely vulnerable to such symptoms. Objective The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the emotional outcomes, including reports of loneliness, in individuals with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic. We additionally sought to examine how individuals’ experiences during the pandemic may contribute to a specific COVID-19-related depression or anxiety. Methods 142 individuals with MS who previously participated in a national, online, survey-based study were asked to complete an online survey assessing their current level of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Increases in the rates of depression and anxiety were noted, with approximately 54% and 33% reporting “new” depression or anxiety, respectively. Given this increase, we examined how individuals with “new” depression or anxiety differed from those without depression and anxiety and those with pre-pandemic depression and/or anxiety. Significant differences in person-specific factors (e.g., personality, self-efficacy) were noted between the groups. Increased loneliness was also found among both those with depression or anxiety regardless of whether “new” or pre-pandemic. Finally, all those depressed or anxious reported greater disruption and distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic with a trend for increased anxiety specifically related to the pandemic (e.g., fear or dying due to COVID-19) among those with new depression or anxiety when compared to those with existing depression or anxiety, suggesting an influence of the pandemic that is specific to reports of new depression or anxiety. Conclusion Findings suggest increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness among individuals with MS following the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports of “new” depression or anxiety, which appears to be related to the pandemic, specifically. Moreover, factors commonly associated with depression or anxiety in MS (e.g., personality, self-efficacy) were more common among those with existing depression or anxiety but not among those experiencing new depression or anxiety. These differences should be considered when attempting to ameliorate the impact of the COVID-19 among those experiencing emotional distress.

The late onset of emotional distress in people with progressive multiple sclerosis during the Covid-19 pandemic: longitudinal findings from the CogEx study

“…A number of studies have addressed this concern. Cross sectional data have revealed elevated rates of depression [ 2 , 7 ] and comorbid anxiety and depression [ 8 – 10 ] and some longitudinal studies have noted increases in anxiety [ 11 ] and depression [ 12 ] in cohorts assessed before and after the onset of the pandemic. These findings are, however, offset by at least four longitudinal reports of no significant changes in emotion pre and post-pandemic onset [ 13 – 16 ].…”

The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Exercise Behavior Among People With Multiple Sclerosis Enrolled in an Exercise Trial: Qualitative Interview Study

“…These measures disrupted participation in work, education, travel, recreation, exercise, and physical activity (PA), with potentially significant physical and mental health implications, especially for people with disabilities, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Indeed, 2 years after the lockdown restrictions were lifted, research indicates that vulnerable populations, including people with MS, experienced heightened social isolation, increased depression and anxiety [ 3 , 4 ], and a lack of access to health services [ 5 - 7 ].…”