Relationship Between Interpersonal Depressive Symptoms and Reduced Amygdala Volume in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Considerations for Clinical Practice

Abstract

Background: The lifetime prevalence of depression in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is approximately 50% compared with around 15% in the general population. There is a relationship between depression and quality of life in people with MS and evidence that depression may contribute to disease progression. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study assessed the association between depression and regional brain atrophy, including amygdala and hippocampal volume. Forty-nine participants with MS recruited through a hospital MS clinic were administered the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R) to investigate whether higher endorsements on the items depressive aff..