http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2706287/
The most compelling reason to investigate psychiatric disorders among persons with MS is that reported rates of completed suicide in MS populations are high [6], and psychiatric disorders appear to be the major risk factor for suicidality [7]…
The majority (75%) of cases of neuropsychiatric side effects from corticosteroids fit an affective profile, of mania and/or depression…
Numerous case reports have documented an association between bipolar disorder and MS…
Alcohol and illicit drug use may be more problematic in people with MS than in the general population, potentially causing further neurologic damage to an already compromised central nervous system, or leading to dangerous interactions with prescription medications. Heavy alcohol use can magnify the subtle cognitive impairment associated with MS [73], and has been shown to cause persistent cognitive impairment, even in persons who do not meet the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence…
Cannabis. Cannabinoids have been purported to alleviate a variety of MS-related symptoms including spasticity, pain, tremor and bladder dysfunction [86], but clinical trials of cannabinoids in MS have not consistently demonstrated beneficial effects. A large randomized controlled trial (n=660) compared the effects of oral cannabis extracts with pure oral THC and placebo on spasticity. The study found no differences with respect to spasticity, but did note significant subjective improvements in pain and sleep..
90% of the subjects who started using cannabis after MS diagnosis reported that they started using it because of MS symptoms, most commonly for pain and spasms. The majority of patients using it for these symptoms reported benefit. Seventy-one percent of individuals who had never used cannabis stated that they would try the drug if it were legal or available by prescription…
Although psychiatric conditions are highly prevalent among individuals living with MS, many persons with MS do not exhibit clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety, or other serious mental illness. The ability to maintain psychological well being and functioning in the face of adversity, such as loss, trauma, and serious medical illness is often referred to as resilience…
Gotta get me some of that 🙂
All Things Chronic 