Anxiety and social activities in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Despite that the prevalence of depression has been thoroughly analyzed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and affects approximately 15%–20% of the MS population, attention paid to social activities concomitant with anxiety is still too sporadic. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of anxiety and social activities aggraded/aggravated with anxiety in the MS population in Lithuania and to analyze how it correlates with socio-demographic factors, clinical outcomes of MS and depression. Three hundred twelve MS patients took part in this study; anxiety prevalence was pointed in 20.2%. Only 23.4% of the study population was socially active. Our study shows a significant level of anxiety and low level of social activity in people with MS. Anxiety in MS patients was strongly related with younger age, shorter MS duration, prevalence of depression and lower level of social activity. A higher level of social activity was significantly related with older urban MS patients who indicated family status as living together and longer MS duration.</jats:p>

The incidence and prevalence of psychiatric disorders in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

“…None of the studies reported the incidence of anxiety disorders, while 41 reported the prevalence of diagnosed anxiety disorders (13, 31.7%), symptoms of anxiety (26, 63.4%), or both (two) (Supplemental Table 2). 3 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 37 – 39 , 43 , 50 , 56 – 80 Diagnosed anxiety disorders or previously undiagnosed anxiety disorders meeting diagnostic criteria were captured using structured diagnostic interviews, medical records review or self-reported diagnoses. Symptoms of anxiety were captured using validated instruments including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory.…”

Beyond pain in multiple sclerosis

“…Our results showed the prevalence of anxiety in 33.7 percent of study participants and also agreed with the previous findings. [39][40][41] Of persons experiencing any pain, 88.2 percent met anxiety criteria and this was a significantly higher number in comparison to those anxiety free (46.3 percent, p < 0.001). The mean value of anxiety (HADS-A) was significantly higher in patients experiencing pain compared to pain-free patients (respectively, 12.1 AE 4.9, vs. 4.1 AE 3.9, p < 0.001).…”

“…[38][39][40][41] Beiske et al 40 reported that fatigue and younger age at onset were significantly associated with symptoms of depression, whilst fatigue and pain, lower EDSS score and younger age at onset were associated with symptoms of anxiety. Logistic regression model in our study revealed that anxiety was strongly related with pain.…”

The manifestation of affective symptoms in multiple sclerosis and discussion of the currently available diagnostic assessment tools

“…Compared to the lifetime prevalence rates for depression, the reported prevalence rates of an anxiety disorder or anxiety symptoms in MS (general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, agoraphobia, etc.) are more homogeneous, ranging from 20 to 44.5% [32][33][34][35][36]. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 8.5% of people in the normal population experience a general anxiety disorder.…”