63. Prevalence of Anxiety and its Associated Factors in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from an Algerian Cohort

• Published in: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders 2024-12, Vol.92
• Main Authors: Khermache, Ali, Bouchenek, Mondher Islem, Amroune, Wail Abdelhamid, Bouchelghem, Nour El Houda, Khaled, Imane, Lamred, Bouthaina, Bourekba, Noussaiba, Chentouf, Amina, Fekraoui, Boubekeur Saddik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2211-0348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.106024

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) manifests through various symptoms, including motor, sensory, visual impairments, as well as cognitive, sexual, and psychiatric dysfunctions. Among the latter, anxiety and depression are the most common psychiatric manifestations. A prospective study was conducted on 260 individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) based on the 2017 McDonald criteria. To assess the impact of MS on various aspects of patients' lives, the study evaluated disability levels, psychological well-being, cognitive function, and sexual health using standardized assessment tools, including the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 9-hole peg test (9-HPT), 25-feet walk (25-FW), Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales, fatigue scale for motor and cognitive functions (FSMCF), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), female sexual function index, and International Index of Erectile Function. The study results consisted predominantly of females (73.8%), with a mean age of 38.78 years. Anxiety was detected in 38.5% of participants. Despite relatively preserved physical functioning (EDSS scores), a significant proportion of patients exhibited cognitive impairment (SDMT scores) and a high level of education. Comorbidities included unemployment (50%), depression third, and fatigue three-squared of patients. Notably, individuals with anxiety were significantly more likely to experience depression, fatigue, and genital disorders compared to those without anxiety (p < 0.05). The study findings revealed a strong correlation between anxiety and depression, fatigue, disability, and genital disorders.