CG18
Stability of Depression in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Thursday, June 2, 2016
Exhibit Hall
Jason Botvinick, B.A. , Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
Jeffrey G Portnoy, B.A. , Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
Gabriel Hoffnung, MA , Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
Lisa Glukhovsky, M.A. , Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY
Frederick W Foley, Ph.D. , School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY
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Background: Depression in multiple sclerosis (MS) has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 50%, and a point-prevalence of 20-25%. However, few studies have followed the course of depression in MS longitudinally. Prior research has shown the course of depression to be stable, but these studies have been limited in sample size and longitudinal range.

Objectives: To evaluate the stability of depression in MS patients over a period greater than five years.

Methods: Participants (N= 349) were recruited from an outpatient clinic at a large medical center in New Jersey. Longitudinal data were collected as part of an ongoing research project. Participants completed a Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and a demographic questionnaire. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between time and change in BDI-II score. Linear regression was also used to relate BDI-II scores at baseline and follow-up.

Results: Initial BDI-II significantly predicted BDI at follow-up (β = .603, p < .001). Time did not predict a change in BDI-II score (β = - .026, p= .625).

Conclusions: Depression is highly stable in the MS population over more than a five-year span.

See more of: Cognition, Depression, and Psychosocial Issues
See more of: CMSC
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