A-171 Dissociable Dimensions of Multiple Sclerosis-Related Depression

Abstract Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with increased risk of depression and suicide. Preliminary literature suggests that sadness anhedonic aspects may dissociate in MS. Based on this, we hypothesized there would be three subtypes experienced by individuals MS: primarily sad, anhedonic, mixed (i.e., elevated anhedonia sadness), certain dimensions higher degrees suicidal ideation. Method: Participants included 117 patients MS [Mean (Standard Deviation): age = 47.48 (10.21) years; 78.9% female; 97.3% White non-Hispanic; disease duration 7.86 (8.30) Expanded Disability Status Scale: Median 3, Range 0 to 8.0]. Depression was measured using the Beck Inventory-II (BDI-II). Patients’ level mood symptoms ranged from non-depressed severely depressed [10.26 (9.35)]. Results: Principle components analysis BDI-II item-level responses indicated dissociated into accounting for 59% variance total. Dimension 1 eight items related negative cognitions, including pessimism, loss hope thoughts. 2 consisted characterized vegetative anhedonia. 3 comprised five pertaining emotion regulation issues. Conclusion(s): There appear adults MS, cognitions dimension most strongly suicidality, highlighting importance screening this aspect