Comparing the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of interventions for depressive symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol

Abstract

Background Comorbid depression is prevalent in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Depression is commonly untreated or undertreated, thus, there is a need for effective and safe interventions and current guidelines recommend psychological and pharmaceutical interventions for people with MS. However, research suggests that other interventions, such as exercise, could also be effective. The comparative efficacy and safety of intervention modalities have not been quantified. We plan to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare efficacy and safety of psychological, pharmaceutical, physical and magnetic stimulation interventions for depression in people with MS. Methods an..