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Biomedical subjects

S L Minden

Publications and source records attributed to S L Minden.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Affective disorders in multiple sclerosis. Review and recommendations for clinical research.

This review of research on affective disorders in multiple sclerosis was prepared by members of the Cognitive Function Study Group of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (New York, NY) to call attention to the prevalence and seriousness of emotional disturbances in multiple sclerosis, and to encourage further investigation of these syndromes. We present English-language studies of euphoria, pathological laughing and weeping, depression, and bipolar disorder, describe methodological limitations, and suggest areas for future clinical research.

Bipolar Disorder

Memory impairment in multiple sclerosis.

We compared the performance of 50 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and 35 normal controls on a variety of memory tasks to determine the nature and severity of memory deficits in the MS patients and the proportion of patients affected. We also determined the relationship between memory and other cognitive functions, demographic factors, disease characteristics, depression, and psychoactive medication. We found significant differences between patients and controls on almost all memory tests. Patterns of learning, effects of interference, and improvement with cuing were similar for both groups. Thirty percent of patients showed severe memory impairment, 30% were moderately impaired, and 40% were mildly or not impaired. Memory dysfunction was related to impairment of other cognitive functions, lower socioeconomic status, chronic progressive type of MS, and use of antianxiety medication, but not to severity of disability, duration of MS symptoms or depression.

Adult

Hypomanic reactions to ACTH and prednisone treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Nine of 50 MS patients became hypomanic or manic during treatment with ACTH or prednisone. Symptoms did not occur with every drug exposure and were more common with ACTH. Patients at risk were identified by episodes of major depression before and after the onset of MS and by family histories of depression or alcoholism.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Depression in multiple sclerosis.

Standardized interview techniques, diagnostic criteria, and rating scales were used to assess 50 moderately disabled multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Fifty-four percent met lifetime Research Diagnostic Criteria for major depression, with a significant increase in the rate from before to after the onset of MS symptoms. The MS patients were significantly more depressed than other medical patients described in the literature. Major depressions were associated with steroid-treated exacerbations and a history of major depression. Symptoms of depression may be easily confused with those of MS, resulting in inadequate diagnosis and treatment.

Adult