Depression and cognitive performances in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Cognitive deficits are common complaints voiced by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Several studies have confirmed these deficits. In the other hand, depression has considerable evidence in these patients; whereas, depression can affect the cognitive performances; it is possible that some of these confirmed cognitive deficits had been caused by depression. This study investigated and compared the cognitive performances of depressed and non-depressed patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls. Methods: In this causal-comparative research, 52 patients with multiple sclerosis (26 depressed and 26 non-depressed patients) from Kashani hospital in Isfahan, Iran, and 26 healthy controls were selected. They were assessed through the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Color Trail Test (CTT), verbal memory test and visual memory test. The data was analyzed using covariance method. Findings: There were significant differences in attention, immediate and delayed (recall) verbal memory performance between the depressed patients with multiple sclerosis and the two other groups (P = 0.002). In additon, there were significant differences in delayed (recall and recognition) visual memory performance between healthy group and the two other groups (P = 0.020). But, there were no significant differences, in immediate visual and delayed (recognition) verbal memory performances, between the three groups. Conclusion: The cognitive performance of the patients with multiple sclerosis not only is affected by neurologic injuries but also it is affected by depression. Depression can cause or intensify the cognitive deficits of the patients with multiple sclerosis. © 2015 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.