A complex relation between depression and multiple sclerosis: a descriptive review

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurodegenerative disease that affects central nervous system (CNS). MS patients are more likely to develop depressive symptoms than patients with other chronic diseases.

Objective: In this review, we have analysed if there is a correlation between brain lesions (BL), structural damage (SD) and depressive symptoms (DS).

Methods: We Searched on PubMed and Web of Science databases and screening references of included studied and some review article for additional citations. From initial 745 studies, only 9 met the inclusion criteria. All studies conducted research on 389 patients with MS associated with DS and 120 HC (healthy controls).

Results: The selected researches highlighted the involvement of limbic system, the role of hippocampus and the impact of brain lesions on the emotional status of MS patients.

Discussion: In the genesis of depression are implicated many mechanisms including genetic, biochemical, immunological and psychosocial factors, even if a prominent role in the onset of DS seem to be associated with structural and functional brain alterations.

Keywords: Anatomical–functional abnormalities; Depressive symptoms; Hippocampus; Magnetic resonance; Multiple sclerosis; Organic lesions.