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

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. (p0.05). CONCLUSION: A partial improvement can be obtained in fatigue by antidepressant treatment