شیوع اختلالات روان‌پزشکی در بیماران مبتلا به مولتیپل اسکلروزیس در مازندران

Background and purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with progressive and debilitating nature that influences many aspects of life and results in numerous psychological disorders in addition to physical problems. Studies have shown the comorbidity of high levels of stress and variety of psychological disorders in MS. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in MS patients in Mazandaran province. Materials and methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study 113 patients (members of Mazandaran MS Society) participated. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) was done in addition to filling out a questionnaire on demographic information. The prevalence of psychological disorders were analyzed in SPSS using Chi square. Results: The research population included 70.8% females. The patients’ mean age was 35.46 ± 9.95 years and the mean duration of disease was 5.31±5.17 years. The most common disorders among the participants were depressive disorders (37.2%), anxiety disorders (11.5%), and sexual dysfunction disorders (8.8%). Overall, 46.9% suffered from at least one psychiatric disorder. Conclusion: Psychiatric comorbidities are so common in MS patients and the prevalence of depressive disorders is higher in these individuals compared to the general population. Mental disorders have negative impacts on the course of the disease and its control, therefore, psychiatric interventions are highly advised for such patients.