Pharmacological management of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The pharmacotherapeutic management of depression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a matter of debate that cannot be decided from the evidence available in the current literature. Therefore, its management essentially relies on the clinical experience of the prescribing clinician rather than on evidence-based approaches.

Areas covered: This review provides a clinically oriented critical perspective on the connection between MS and major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression associated with bipolar disorder (BD), focusing on its optimal pharmacotherapy. Both clinical and pharmacological considerations are accounted in order to promote rational pharmacotherapy, both in terms of efficacy and tolerability.

Expert opinion: Despite its clinical burden and relatively frequent occurrence, the interplay of MS and depression still requires further controlled trials to better clarify the appropriate pharmacotherapy across varying ‘diseases categories’ of MS itself, as well as discriminating between depressive symptoms that do not necessarily reach the threshold of either MDD or BD. Additional insight into new mood-tolerated neurological pharmacotherapy for MS is likewise warranted toward a more effective, immune- and patient-tailored pharmacotherapy, while promoting innovation in drug design, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the overall quality life of the affected individual, his/her caregivers, and to reduce the associated economic and social burden.