Under-treated depression negatively impacts lifestyle behaviors, participation and health-related quality of life among older people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: To what extent depression may negatively impact successful aging with multiple sclerosis (MS) is not known. We examined the impact of depression/depressive symptoms on lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol), participation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older people living with MS (n = 742). Methods: Based on self-reported depression diagnosis and scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, we divided the sample into four groups: 1. No depression diagnosis and low symptoms (n = 412), 2. Diagnosed with depression and low symptoms (n = 103), 3. Diagnosed with depression and high symptoms (n = 87), and 4. No depression diagnosis and high symptoms (n = 140). We used regression modelling to predict outcomes, controlling for age, MS disease duration, type of MS at initial diagnosis and disability. Results: A high proportion (44.5%) reported either being diagnosed with depression, having high levels of symptoms or both. Only 12.1% reported that they were prescribed anti-depressants and 13.6% utilized psychosocial services. Compared to those with depression who had low symptoms, respondents who had high depressive symptoms (n = 227) were more likely to be non-exercisers (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.02–3.34, p = 0.042), consume a poor diet (OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.27–3.52, p = 0.004), have the lowest levels of participation (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.74–6.49, p = 0.0003) and report the poorest HRQoL (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.17–3.26, p = 0.011). Men and people experiencing higher levels of disability and fatigue were at greater risk of having high symptoms and being undiagnosed. Conclusion: Undiagnosed and under-treated depression is common among older people living with MS and adversely impacts health choices.