Observational study on apathy, depression, and fatigue in MS patients
In a cross-sectional study of 85 MS patients, it was found that the prevalence of apathy, depression, and fatigue were 37.6%, 29.3%, and 51.8%, respectively. Apathy and depression were significantly associated with higher EDSS scores, while fatigue showed no significant correlation. Patients experiencing both apathy and depression had higher EDSS scores compared to those with no symptoms or only apathy.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
This study provides insight into the prevalence of psychological symptoms in MS patients and their potential relationship with disease severity, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments of mental health in MS care.
What this does not prove
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to draw causal conclusions or predict future disability progression.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-29
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceApathy-depression overlap: unmasking hidden disability profiles in multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1929740
Supporting passages (4)
study designOBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study assessed apathy, depression, and fatigue prevalence in 85 Italian MS patients, their associations with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and the relationship between psychological symptom profiles (apathy and/or depression) and disability.
findingsApathy (r = 0.30, p < 0.05) and depression (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), but not fatigue (p = 0.082), were associated with higher EDSS scores.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-29
limitationsTitle: Apathy-depression overlap: unmasking hidden disability profiles in multiple sclerosis.
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.