MS ExplainedDepression
Many people with MS experience depression. Depression involves persistent sadness lasting more than two weeks, accompanied by other symptoms such as an altered sleep pattern, feelings of hopelessness, guilt and low self esteem, thoughts of death, reduced energy and the inability to concentrate and to take pleasure in anything.
Depression can be caused by a reaction to living with a long-term condition or as a side effect of some medications for other symptoms. It can also be caused directly by MS damage to the nerves in the brain.
Recognition of these disorders as symptoms of MS has only occurred relatively recently and the precise causes are poorly understood.
- More information from the MS Trust
- Depression - A to Z of MS
Next page - Mood swings
- MS Explained
- Contents
- Introduction
- Who gets MS?
- The possible causes of MS
- The central nervous system
- The immune system
- What happens in MS?
- The cause of symptoms
- Spasticity
- Bladder problems
- Bowel problems
- Weakness
- Visual problems
- Optic neuritis
- Balance and dizziness
- Tremor and ataxia
- Cognition
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Speech and swallowing
- Pain
- Diagnosis
- Types of MS
- Future research
- Immunology
- Neuroprotection
- Repairing and replacing myelin
- Genetics
- Summary
- Glossary
- Bibliography
If you find this publication useful and would like to receive our free newsletter for regular information about MS or other publications from the MS Trust, join the Open Door mailing list