Effects of Antidepressant Treatment on Fatigue in MS Patients with Depression and Fatigue

Nalan Soyder Kuş; Yaşar Zorlu; Ümit Zanapalıoğlu; Murat Özçelik; Duygu Akarsu; Nurdan Ökten

Nalan Soyder Kuş¹, Yaşar Zorlu¹, Ümit Zanapalıoğlu¹, Murat Özçelik¹, Duygu Akarsu², Nurdan Ökten²

¹Neurology Clinic, Ministry Of Health, Tepecik Education And Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
²Psychiatry Clinic, Ministry Of Health, Tepecik Education And Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, fatigue, depression, antidepressant treatment, pathophysiology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Fatigue and depression are frequently

observed symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Fatigue has been

reported as the major symptom in 53-90% of MS patients. Lifetime

incidence of depression has been found as 50% in MS cases.

METHODS: There are several studies reporting a positive correlation

between depression and fatigue in MS. It has been reported that

depression increases the severity of fatigue in these patients. The

objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of antidepressant

treatment in MS patients having depression and fatigue.

RESULTS: 36 cases with definite relapsing-remitting MS

(RRMS) who had been free of attacks and steroids for six months were

included in this study. Patients, whose examination revealed depression

and fatigue, were diagnosed with depression by a psychiatrist. Cases

were administered antidepressants and followed by 6 months. The

efficacy of the treatment was calculated by Hamilton Depression Rating

The decrease in depression and fatigue scores at the end of

3rd and 6th months were found to be statistically significant. (p<0.05).

The effects of treatment on fatigue and depression were not correlated

(p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: A partial improvement can be obtained in fatigue by

antidepressant treatment.