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Journal article
Comparing the Effectiveness, Safety and Tolerability of Interventions for Depressive Symptoms in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, Vol.89, pp.1-17
2024
Abstract
Background
Depression is more common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to the general population. While many interventions are available for treating depressive symptoms in people with MS, it is unclear how different intervention modalities compare. This systematic review aimed to compare the reported effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of interventions for treating depressive symptoms in people with MS.
Methods
We systematically searched 7 databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmaceutical, psychological, physical, and electromagnetic stimulation interventions which aimed to reduce depressive symptoms amongst adults with MS. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were completed by at least two independent researchers. We planned to synthesise the data using network meta-analysis, however the high risk of bias of the included trials resulted in synthesis without meta-analysis.
Results
Of 1,949 citations, 31 trials (21 psychological, seven physical activity, two pharmaceutical, and one combination) were included, comprising 2,289 participants. Of the 31 eligible trials 24 were at high and six at moderate risk of bias, which precluded meta-analysis. Twenty-six trials reported on efficacy and only 16/31 reported safety and/or tolerability, using inconsistent methods.
Conclusions
The current strength of the evidence for treating depressive symptoms in MS is low, therefore, we are not able to summarise or make comparisons between the treatment modalities. There is an urgent need for high-quality and diverse trials investigating treatment options for depression in people with MS. This can only be achieved if the conduct and reporting of RCTs are improved.
Details
- Title
- Comparing the Effectiveness, Safety and Tolerability of Interventions for Depressive Symptoms in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
- Authors
- Stephanie Campese - The University of MelbourneJulia Lyons - The University of MelbourneYvonne C Learmonth - Murdoch UniversityAlexandra Metse - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyAllan G. Kermode - The University of Western AustraliaClaudia H Marck (Corresponding Author) - The University of MelbourneAmalia Karahalios - The University of Melbourne
- Publication details
- Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, Vol.89, pp.1-17
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105763
- ISSN
- 2211-0356; 2211-0348
- Copyright note
- © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Data Availability
- The data analysed in this study are from published analyses. The collated dataset is available upon request.
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991047796102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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