Disability, depression and suicide ideation in multiple sclerosis

Alton, Katherine Jayne (2014). Disability, depression and suicide ideation in multiple sclerosis. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Background. Depression is under-recognised in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is the single best predictor for suicide ideation and suicide. Suicide rates are elevated in people with MS and are thought to be influenced by disability and depression.
Methods. Twenty-three participants with progressive MS completed four questionnaires: Guy's neurological disability scale, the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29, Beck-depression inventory-II and Beck Suicide Scale. Using a cross-sectional design, correlation analyses were used to explore the relationship between disability and perceived disability in MS, with symptoms of depression and suicide ideation.
Results. A significant correlation was found between disability and depression. No significant relationship was found between: physical disability, perceived disability and suicidal ideation; and depression and suicide ideation. No significant relationship was found between total perceived disability scores and depression. MSIS-29 psychological items positively and significantly correlated with depression.
Conclusion. Symptoms of depression worsen with increasing disability in progressive MS. A lack of relationship between disability and perceived disability, depression and suicide ideation may be due to the limited variation and significant skew of scores on the Beck Suicide Scale. Further clarification is needed to determine the impact of disability on suicide ideation by way of a larger sample size.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

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