Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 104
(5), 257-261
S. Fruewald, H. Loeffler-Stastka,
R. Eher, B. Saletu and U. Baumhacki
Objectives
Health related quality of life (QoL)
has gained increasing influence as a relevant evaluation criterion in multiple
sclerosis. The high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in MS is, however,
hardly ever considered in studies concerning QoL.
Materials and methods
In 60 patients of a MS outpatient
clinic, symptoms of anxiety (Zung Anxiety Scale) and depression (Zung Depression
Scale), as well as the health-related quality of life were rated and set
into relation to the EDSS and to the duration of illness, respectively.
Results
There was a highly significant correlation
between depression as well as anxiety and the self-assessed quality of
life. Depression was the by far strongest predictor for reduced QoL.
Conclusion
Clinical studies, which seek to register
the increasingly important evaluation criterion of health-related quality
of life in MS, should consider the prevalence of depressive disorders and
the decisive effect of depression on the self-assessed quality of life
of affected patients.
© Munksgaard 2001