The spectrum of depression in multiple sclerosis. An approach for clinical management
R. B. Schiffer
Twenty patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis who experienced
major depressive episodes according to Research Diagnostic Criteria are
described. The heterogeneous quality of these depressive episodes is
presented by categorizing the episodes according to ten Research Diagnostic
Criteria depressive subtypes. Four interpersonal management strategies for
such patients that are applicable within a neurologic practice setting are
described. The most important feature concerning prognosis for these
depressive episodes appears to be the relationship between the depressive
episode and the underlying demyelinating disease. When depression occurred
in the setting of clinically significant disease activity, the outcome was
usually favorable.