MS Angst is quite common among patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The symptoms and the way they affect the quality of life can lead to depression. Due to MS angst, even people who would usually consider themselves to be quite cheerful and happy can get depressed. Many people experience MS Angst in the early stages of MS, perhaps even before they have experienced any of the severe and painful symptoms. Research has shown that around half of MS sufferers will experience MS angst, depression or some kind of emotional problems at some point in time. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to diagnose MS angst, as many of the physical symptoms of depression are similar to physical symptoms that the patient might be experiencing anyway because of MS.
Diagnosing MS Angst
MS angst or depression is very serious and should be treated with anti-depressant medications or therapy if necessary to prevent the sufferer from becoming severely depressed or even suicidal. But how do you know if you are suffering from depression or MS angst and not just having a bad day because of your condition? There is a checklist which will tell you if you are what expert’s term “clinically depressed” and therefore need to seek medical help. If any five of the following symptoms are present for more than two weeks, then there is a good chance you are suffering from MS angst and should probably speak to a doctor: low mood, reduced interest in activities you used to enjoy, change in appetite, change in sleeping patterns, feeling restless, fatigue, feeling worthless or guilty, inability to concentrate, feeling suicidal. MS sufferers will notice that some of the symptoms of MS angst also match symptoms of MS, such as fatigue, insomnia, lack of appetite and feeling restless or fidgety. This is why it is important that you talk to a doctor about MS angst, as they are the best people to help identify if you are depressed or not.
Treating MS Angst
As well as prescribing anti-depressants to treat MS angst or depression, there are other things that doctors might suggest to help improve your emotional state. Therapy can be very useful in treating MS angst, especially in patients who have been recently diagnosed and who are having trouble coping with the news. There may be support groups for MS patients in your area, where you can talk with other people who have suffered and coped with MS angst and who might be able to talk you thorough your problems.
