Improving detection and treatment of depression in people with MS

Progress to Date

Dr Grech has carried out interviews with 15 MS specialist clinicians (including both neurologists and MS nurses) and 26 people with MS. These interviews were designed to determine current practices and barriers in the assessment, treatment and follow-up of depression in MS clinics.

The interview data has been analysed and the findings written up into two scientific manuscripts which are being submitted for publication. Some of the findings include, identifying difficulties with collaborative treatment and monitoring support from GPs, and that people with MS themselves don’t often identify emotional difficulties as needing treatment or recognise that they can be treated. This can be a barrier in itself to providing support. Barriers and challenges were identified from both the perspective of healthcare professionals as well as from people with MS.

Future work includes confirming these findings with a broader survey and assembling an expert advisory committee to guide the development and implementation of recommendations from both the literature and this research to improve the outcomes for people with MS experiencing depression.

We look forward to report further updates as this work hopefully makes its way into the scientific literature and clinical practice.

Updated: 16 May 2021