Depression and Anxiety

MS can cause a real emotional roller coaster of emotions, anxiety, depression and mood swings. How much is MS and how much is what you are creating yourself is very difficult to say and this in itself can all be very scary and confusing.

You may feel like you are losing the plot or be wondering what on earth has happened to the old you. These are very usual and quite natural feelings.

For some people the symptoms of depression or anxiety related to MS is clinical. In this case it is best to consult your GP. He may advise taking a course of anti-depressants. This often proves to be a beneficial and helpful solution to many people with MS.

In the cases where the depression or anxiety is not actually caused by MS, but arises as a result of the effects the MS symptoms are having on the person with MS's life, it is often better for the person to face this.

It takes time to come to terms with an illness like MS and the changes in lifestyle it may demand. Talking about the situation can really help and counselling can often prove helpful in these circumstances.

NICE guidance on depression in adults with chronic physical health problems

NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, has published it's guidance documents on depression in adults with chronic physical health problems.

"Depression is approximately two to three times more common in patients with a chronic physical health problem (such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes) than in people who have good physical health. A chronic physical health problem can both cause and exacerbate depression, and treating depression in these patients has the potential to increase their quality of life and life expectancy.

The presence of a physical illness can complicate the recognition and assessment of depression, because some symptoms are common to both mental and physical disorders. Symptoms below the threshold for a diagnosis of depression can be distressing and disabling, especially in patients with a physical health problem...................."

You can read and/or download the various NICE documents here: Depression with a chronic physical health problem 

Further Information