Psychological correlates of suicidal ideation in people with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are vulnerable to suicidal ideation (SI), yet the relative contribution of mood symptoms and disease-related factors remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the frequency of SI and its independent correlates among PwMS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 366 PwMS (312 relapsing-remitting MS and 54 progressive MS) in Isfahan, Iran, from September 2023 to April 2024. Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected, and SI, anxiety, and depression were evaluated. Linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the relationships between SI, demographic and clinical variables, and mood disorders. RESULTS: High to very high risk of SI was observed in 47 PwMS (12.8). In multivariable regression analyses, higher levels of depression (B = 0.18, p <0.001) and anxiety (B = 0.09, p <0.001) were independently associated with SI. In contrast, MS type and disability level were not significantly associated with SI. CONCLUSION: SI was relatively frequent among PwMS and was mainly associated with depression and anxiety rather than MS type or disability. These findings support routine screening for SI and mood symptoms in PwMS, regardless of disease subtype or disability status.