Society sponsors consensus statement on depression and MS.The words "depressed" and "depression" are used so casually in everyday conversation that their meaning has become murky. True clinical depression is a disorder that affects from 5% to 20% of Americans during their lifetime. People with MS are at even higher risk. Almost 50% of people with MS will experience mild to severe depression at some point. And it can be lethal lethal /le·thal/ (le´th'l) fatal. le·thal adj. 1. Capable of causing death. 2. Of, relating to, or causing death. lethal deadly; fatal. . One study found that the risk of suicide was 7.5 times higher among people with MS than the general population. The Society's New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. Chapter responded to this by convening con·vene v. con·vened, con·ven·ing, con·venes v.intr. To come together usually for an official or public purpose; assemble formally. v.tr. 1. a panel of experts. They drafted a consensus statement to outline dearly the best ways to evaluate and treat depression associated with MS. The Goldman Consensus Group, chaired by Dr. Randolph B. Schiffer, published its findings in the November 2005 issue of Multiple Sclerosis multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic, slowly progressive autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the protective myelin sheaths that surround the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord (a process called demyelination), resulting in damaged areas . The Goldman Consensus Statement The group agreed that current therapies are generally effective, but depression may be seriously under-diagnosed. It can be missed because both MS and depression often cause the same symptoms: fatigue and problems with thinking or concentration. The group recommends that professionals who routinely care for people with MS should institute regular screening to identify depression, using tests such as the Beck Depression Inventory Beck Depression Inventory A trademark for a standardized questionnaire used to diagnose depression. Beck Depression Inventory . Anyone who meets the criteria for depression and especially anyone who talks about having suicidal su·i·cid·al adj. 1. Of or relating to suicide. 2. Likely to attempt suicide. thoughts should immediately be assessed and considered for treatment. The group favored integrating talk therapy and drag therapy as needed as needed prn. See prn order. . The group also strongly encouraged more research into causes, assessment, and treatment. To get a professional evaluation for depression by a physician and/or mental-health professional, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS for referrals from your chapter office. Health-care professionals can get a copy of the Goldman Consensus Statement through the Society's Professional Resource Center by e-mailing health prof_info@nmss.org. |
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