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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy

    Francesco Corallo, Viviana Lo Buono, Roberto Genovese, Rosanna Palmeri, Marcella Di Cara, Carmela Rifici, Edoardo Sessa, Giangaetano D’Aleo, Lilla Bonanno & Silvia Marino

  2. University of Messina, Messina, Italy

    Francesco Galletti

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  1. Francesco Corallo
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  2. Viviana Lo Buono
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  3. Roberto Genovese
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Correspondence to Silvia Marino.

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Corallo, F., Lo Buono, V., Genovese, R. et al. A complex relation between depression and multiple sclerosis: a descriptive review. Neurol Sci 40, 1551–1558 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-019-03889-1

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