Spring Cleaning Your Emotional Health

Over time, houses can become messy and cluttered. Heavy drapes keep out winter drafts, but block the cleansing light of the sun. As springtime breezes over the windowsill, cobwebs flutter in the corners. Until light illuminates the cobwebs and dust bunnies, they are too easy to ignore, allowing them grow into a fierce filament army.

In the past, I have described my own depression as a monster that hides in the corners. Most of the time small and miniature, the monster can be easily ignored. But allow it to grow unnoticed in the darkness and the mini-monster becomes a beast straining to break free from imaginary chains.

Dealing with emotions is not as easy and straight forward as spring cleaning. But I’ve found that if I acknowledge the emotions, really take the time and mindfulness to notice that they are there, the negative emotions lose some of their potency while the positive emotions gain strength. Shedding light on the emotions helps to know where to mentally sweep, as long as you do not “sweep” the emotions under your cognitive rug.

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Cleaning Out The Emotional Clutter Of MS

Children at Higher Risk of Psychiatric Disorders When Parents With MS Have Depression

Pregnancy and new parenthood are risk factors for depression, affecting 15 - 20 percent of mothers in the first year following delivery and 10 percent of fathers. Peripartum depression — depression, anxiety, or mood disorders in the month before childbirth and year following delivery — greatly affects quality of life, may impact other members of the family, and can influence the mother-child bonding that is crucial for psychological health.

Depression and anxiety are about twice as common in people with multiple sclerosis than those without MS. Men and women with MS are equally at risk for developing peripartum depression in rates higher than individuals without MS. Researchers in British Columbia conducted a study to examine the rates of peripartum depression in parents with MS and to determine the impact of parental depression on the development of psychiatric disorders in their children.


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Depression in Parents with MS May Lead to Psychiatric Disorders in Children

Guided Imagery Reduces Depression and Fatigue in MS

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies include a wide variety of interventions — from diets and supplements to meditation and tai chi — aimed at improving health and well-being. CAM therapies may be used alongside (to complement) or instead of (as alternative to) conventional therapies. Many patients with multiple sclerosis may incorporate CAM therapies into their self-care without realizing it. If you meditate, do yoga, or take certain vitamins or supplements to reduce MS symptoms or improve quality of life, you are using CAM.

In 2014, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) released guidelines for the use of CAM in MS, classifying therapies into three groups: mind-body medicine, biologically-based practices, or manipulative and body-based practices. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines mind-body therapies as those that integrate the brain, mind, body, and behavior, with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health; examples include meditation, yoga, tai chi, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and hypnosis.

Guided Imagery (GI) is a traditional mind-body technique that is considered a form of hypnosis. The term ‘guided imagery’ can be found scattered throughout the literature examining the use of CAM therapies in MS. However, a systematic review of mind-body medicine used in MS identified only a single study (Maguire, 1996) that examined the use of GI in MS producing mixed or inconclusive results.

A recent small pilot study conducted at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) examined the effect of a novel guided imagery modality developed by a person living with MS as compared to guided journaling. This study measured the quality of life, fatigue, and depressed mood in 11 patients with MS over the course of 10 weeks. Participants were randomized to weekly 1-hour guided imagery sessions (n=6) or an at-home journaling program focusing on topics of gratitude or positive self-image (n=5).

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Guided Imagery May Reduce Depression and Fatigue in MS

Three Things My Doctor Got Right

When I was first diagnosed with MS, there was so much I didn’t know about the disease or about my own body. I thought that I knew, but in looking back I had very little idea.

And to confuse matters, it seemed like I was always one doctor’s visit ahead of my neurologist when it came to recognizing what I needed, such as occupational/physical therapy to rebuild strength in my left hand, a disabled parking placard to avoid becoming a walking hazard, and medication to combat spasticity.

Here was our routine: I would notice a subtle symptom or growing problem and mention it during an office visit. He would examine what could be detected and determine that it was not something to be concerned about. Something would happen between visits related to the original concern and I would dutifully report it. He would then prescribe or recommend whatever service or intervention it was that I originally thought I needed.

At the time, these delays were annoying, but it was a bit entertaining to feel as though I was always one step ahead of my doctor. In retrospect, I feel disappointed that perhaps my neurologist was not as responsive to my concerns as he should have been - a disappointing story which is shared repeatedly among patients in the MS community.

However, there are several things which my doctor got right in his advice and recommendations that I didn't fully appreciate at the time. Here are three of those pieces of wisdom.

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3 Things My Doctor Got Right

Five Hidden Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Disability progression has an obvious impact of quality of life and is often an outwardly visible sign of MS. But quality of life (QoL) in MS can be influenced by many invisible symptoms. Here are the top hidden issues that may impact quality of life for those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Fatigue.

Fatigue is extremely common affecting 75 to 95 percent of people with MS. It can be one of the most troublesome symptoms regardless of one’s disease course or level of disability. The Social Security Administration recognizes fatigue as a significant cause of unemployment among people with MS. The first step in combating fatigue is working with your doctor to narrow down the cause.

Depression.

One study found that depression was the main factor affecting quality of life in MS patients, more so than disability status, fatigue, or reduced sleep quality. Depression can be caused by neurological damage associated with MS, but may also be caused by the emotional rollercoaster associated with difficult life challenges and the uncertainty of MS. Symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, loss of interest, sleeping too much or too little, weight loss or gain, fatigue, physical restlessness, impaired concentration, and thoughts of suicide or death. If you experience any of these symptoms, please talk to your healthcare provider.

Cognitive decline.

Cognitive issues can develop early on in the course of MS and impaired cognition can lead to a vicious cycle of frustration creating a negative impact on QoL. However, it is not always apparent whether cognitive decline is a result of depression, fatigue, neurological impairment, or a combination of factors. Patients should undergo neuropsychological evaluation so that appropriate treatment may be recommended and QoL may be protected.

Research shows that larger brain volume, cognitive reserve gained through life experience (such as years of education), and lifestyle choices (engaging in cognitive leisure activities such as reading) protect against disease-related cognitive impairment in MS patients.

Sexual (dys)function.

Sexual dysfunction, which affects up to 75 percent of women and 90 percent of men with MS, can be distressing for the patient and have a negative impact on family relationships. In fact, sexual dysfunction has been shown to have a greater detrimental effect on mental health aspects of health-related QoL in MS patients than the severity of physical disability. However, patients may be reluctant to discuss sexual dysfunction and doctors may not ask.

Reduced sleep quality.

Sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia, are common in MS. Reduced sleep quality can lead to fatigue and depression and CPAP therapy can improve these symptoms in patients with sleep apnea. A recent study showed that sleep disorders can reduce QoL of MS patients, especially in areas related to energy and emotion. In patients with OSA, physical abilities can also be negatively affected. Due to the complex relationship between fatigue, depression, and sleep disorders in MS, it can be difficult to detect the root cause in traditional QoL questionnaires.

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Five Hidden Symptoms of MS

Zinc Helps to Reduce MS Depression, A New Study Shows

Both zinc deficiency and excess are known to affect the immune system. A study using oral zinc aspartate to treat EAE (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a MS-like disease in mice) resulted in reduced clinical signs during the relapsing-remitting from the disease.

In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers examined the effect of zinc on depression and neurological signs in people diagnosed with MS. Forty-three people with MS and major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the placebo group (n=22) and the intervention group (n=21) which received zinc sulfate (220mg containing 50mg zinc element) for 12 weeks.

Results of the study indicated that depression scores were reduced in participants who received the zinc supplement compared to those in the placebo group. However, there was no difference between the groups during neurological examinations that evaluated abnormal ocular (eye) movement, muscle strength, and gait (walking ability).&nbsp

Researchers conclude that zinc supplementation is an appropriate choice to manage depression in patients with MS.

Dietary sources of zinc

According to the National Institutes of Health, a wide variety of foods contain zinc, but none more than oysters. Most Americans get zinc from red meat and poultry. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain types of seafood (such as crab and lobster), whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products.

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Can Zinc Help Reduce MS Depression?

How to Help a Loved One Who is Depressed or Suicidal

It is difficult to get close to someone who is depressed. It can be, well, depressing, and frustrating and infuriating and maddening and sad and concerning. Trying to reach through the darkness to a loved one who is buried in depression can make you feel completely inadequate and helpless. You may begin to feel unloved or unappreciated and may want to distance yourself emotionally as a measure of protection.

Just as the person who is depressed may feel overwhelming helplessness, loved ones can feel quite the same. Helpless to know what to do or how they can help.  Even as someone who struggles with depression, I don’t often know what to do to assist those around me when they are feeling more than “blue” or a bit anxious.

What can I do to help my loved one who is depressed or suicidal?

First of all, know that a person who is suicidal may not ask for help. They may push you away, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want help. Most people who commit suicide don’t want to die, they just want to stop hurting. Almost 1 million people attempt suicide each year in the US and it is estimated that 5 million living Americans have attempted to kill themselves at some point in their lives.

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs, taking them seriously, and speaking up if you are worried. When talking to a suicidal person, let the person know you care, listen (don’t lecture), be sympathetic and non-judgmental, offer hope (but don’t argue, patronize, or try to “fix” their problems), and know that you are not putting ideas in the person’s head when you ask directly if he/she has had thoughts of suicide.

Recognize these warning signs of suicide, excerpted from Helpguide.org (©):

• Talking about suicide: Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born," "If I see you again..." and "I'd be better off dead."
• Seeking out lethal means: Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
• Preoccupation with death: Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.
• No hope for the future: Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change.
• Self-loathing, self-hatred: Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me").
• Getting affairs in order: Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.
• Saying goodbye: Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again.
• Withdrawing from others: Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
• Self-destructive behavior: Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish."
• Sudden sense of calm: A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has made a decision to commit suicide.

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What Can I Do to Help My Loved One Who is Depressed or Suicidal?

Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression in MS

Higher levels of depression and fatigue are not significantly correlated with vitamin D deficiency in Iran, says a new study.

Researchers from the Department of Neurology at Isfahan University investigated whether lower levels of vitamin D were associated with depression or fatigue in MS patients in Iran.  In 200 MS patients [154 female (77%) and 46 (23%) male], the relationship, if any, between FSS scale (measuring fatigue), BDI-PC score (measuring depression), EDSS (measuring disability) and low Vitamin D status were determined (Ashtari, 2013).

The prevalence of low vitamin D status was 48.5% (97/200).  Researchers found that low vitamin D status was associated with depressive symptoms in MS patients. However, results did not reach statistical significance.  There was also no significant correlation between vitamin D status and fatigue symptoms.

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Is Vitamin D Deficiency Associated with Fatigue and Depression in Iranian MS Patients?

Depression and Anxiety in RA Patients

Results from a 2012 study support growing evidence of high rates of symptoms of anxiety amongst people diagnosed with RA.  However, risk factors for anxiety, unlike for depression, have not been systematically examined in relation to RA.  Authors caution that lack of consistent cut-off points in different measurement scales of anxiety and depression make prevalence estimates and meta-analytic studies challenging (Covic, 2012).

Anxiety is also common in MS and I have experienced more anxious feelings as my disease has changed and progressed.  It manifests primarily as irritability and impatience with others.  My neurologist prescribed a medication to use as needed when generalized anxiety arises which has been a blessing.

What is interesting is that my rheumatologist has not asked me about anxiety or depression.  I recently received a copy of my medical records and notice that my rheumy has made note of my mood and demeanor.  For one visit she listed “cheerful” and another “mood appropriate.”  We have never discussed my depression or anxiety. 

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Depression and Anxiety More Common When Living with RA

Be Straight With Your Doctor

An excerpt from a recent post at HealthCentral:

Earlier this month, I wrote about the stress and anxiety I have been experiencing lately.  It's hard to believe that it was almost three weeks ago I wrote that post.  I blinked and here we are at the end of April.

Before my appointment with the nurse practitioner at the neurology clinic, I filled out the symptom checklist (found on page 3 of the returning MS patient forms).  The checklist is very helpful.  Along the left side of the page are symptoms such as loss of vision, vertigo, weakness (arms/hands - left/right), trouble walking/falling, memory loss/cognitive problems, bowel problems, etc.  For each symptom, you are asked to indicate on a scale of 0 to 5 the severity of each symptom (0=absent, 1=mild, 3=moderate, 5=severe).

For the symptom “depression/anxiety,” I went for the maximum and indicated a “5.”  When my nurse came into the room and quickly glanced at the checklist, she was able to zero in on my current, most disabling symptom.  No beating around the bush.  We got down to business and talked about the state of my mental health.

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Anxiety and Multiple Sclerosis: Seek Help!

Anxiety vs. Depression as Experienced by Arthritis Patients

A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research suggests that one third of US adults living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, or some other form of arthritis) aged 45 or older report having anxiety, depression, or both.  The study comprised a phone survey of 1,793 individuals living with arthritis from the Arthritis Condition and Health Effects Survey (ACHES) which is the most comprehensive population-based national survey of US adults with arthritis to date.

Eighteen percent of respondents reported having depression, a common comorbidity in patients living with chronic illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis (Murphy, 2012). In previous studies involving RA patients, nearly 20% of patients experienced depression (Söderlin, 2000).  Whether we’re talking about arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatic diseases, it seems that rates of depression have remained similar over time.

In the current study, almost twice as many people living with arthritis experienced anxiety (30.5%) as compared to depression (17.5%).  Eighty-four percent of respondents with depression also reported anxiety.  Thus a significant portion of patients (14.7%) living with arthritis experience both depression and anxiety.

Have you ever experienced depression or anxiety, or both, and do you live with a rheumatic disease?

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Anxiety is More Common in Arthritis Patients Than Depression

Taking Time For Yourself to Counter Stress and Anxiety

After writing about anxiety and life events of the past week (post excerpted below), I took a few days away from blogging to get some rest.  For the next few weeks, I really need to focus on events in my physical life.  Please excuse me if it gets a little quiet around here.  Thanks. 

*****
Life has been crazy lately.  I seem to be two steps behind, no matter which direction I reach.  As I result, I feel the stress and anxiety beginning to mount.  In fact, it is already mounted and is at a full gallop.  I’m being dragged behind the tallest imaginary Clydesdale horse I’ve ever seen.  I’m trying to find my feet.

Since the beginning of this year, life has been moving at lightning speed.  Some of it has been exhilarating, some of it has been duty-bound.  All of it has zapped my energy reserve and I’d like for it to slow down just a bit.  So many tasks accomplished, but still too many left undone with ends dangling loose. 

Take writing a post, for example.  I have started many started.  I’ve begun research on great topics.  I’ve read hours of material and saved countless pdf files on my computer for future reference.  Yet, I’ve not been able to complete them to be shared here on HealthCentral. 

Can I be straight with you?  I am underwhelmed with my ability to keep things under control lately.  I am seeing the monster called depression (usually stuck in the corner pouting because he can’t be set free) grow braver and venture out of its cage to cause mischief and mayhem.  (Side note: the word mayhem makes me smile a bit.  Reminds me of the car insurance commercials with the “mayhem” character.  Love those.)

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Stress, Anxiety, Multiple Sclerosis, and Mayhem

RA, Depression, and Suicide

How does suicide relate to living with rheumatoid arthritis?

We experience chronic pain at a higher rate than the general public.  We experience depression at a higher rate than the general public.  When the disease is active and chips away at our quality of life, we can begin to feel hopeless or anxious about the future.  Living with a chronic progressive, painful, and debilitating disease is not easy.

But it’s more than just saying that RA and depression go hand-in-hand.  In a 2000 study, researchers found that depression associated with progressive physical (neurological) illness may lead to suicidal ideation and rheumatoid arthritis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disease.

Their studies indicated that overall almost 11 percent of RA patients experience suicidal ideation.  However, of those patients reporting depression, 30 percent experience suicidal ideation.  See “Suicidal ideation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Research may help identify patients at high risk.”

In another study, researchers found that comorbid depressive disorders preceded suicides in 90 percent of the female RA patients.  Before their suicide, 50 percent of the female RA patients (vs 11 percent of the male RA patients) had experienced at least one suicide attempt and the method of suicide was violent in 90 percent of the RA females.  See “Suicides in persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.”

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Rheumatoid Arthritis, Depression, and Suicide Prevention

Positive Steps which Help to Lessen Depression

At the time my depression returned during graduate school, I was also extremely stressed while maintaining a schedule of 2 part-time on-campus library jobs, 2 freelance symphony jobs which rehearsed and performed on the weekends at a location over two hours away from campus, and the normal required doctoral coursework. My life was more than booked solid. So, I decided to take advantage of the counseling services available at the Student Health Center.

One of the suggestions which the counselor had (she happened to be a student herself working towards a Master’s in Social Work) included doing something nice for myself, such as pampering with a warm bath and body lotion. Another suggestion was to find more time for myself in the schedule....a schedule which I had planned precisely down to 15-minute time blocks. Neither of these ideas seemed to be practical nor appropriate for me at the time. However now as I look back, they seem to be good ideas in general.

Below is a list of Positive Steps (as presented by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America) which can be taken immediately to help lift one’s mood:

1. Exercise. Exercise is proven to produce an increase in chemicals such as endorphins, which can make us feel less depressed – and can help to lessen fatigue as well. Exercises are available for individuals of all ability levels, and patients should discuss an appropriate exercise program with their doctor. (Specific exercise should only be done with a physician’s approval.)

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Positive Steps to Take When You are Stressed and Depressed

Treatments for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis

Within this series of posts exploring topics related to Mental Health and Emotions, we have discussed mood swings, medication side-effects, stress, depression symptoms and depression causes. Now let’s talk about treatments for depression in multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of depression are not similar to symptoms of an MS relapse, unfortunately, where if you wait long enough the relapse will subside given you have a relapsing form of the disease. Depression will often get worse over time if not addressed.

Fortunately, depression is very treatable. Taking a prescribed medication AND participating in psychological counseling appear to be the most effective duel approach in addressing depression. Taking advantage of both approaches together is more effective than either treatment alone - medication or therapy.

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Mental Health and MS: Depression Treatments

Multiple Sclerosis and Depression: Common Causes

Six years ago today I had an odd dream. It was of my grandmother coming into my bedroom to talk. I mumbled something (in the dream) about wanting to sleep a little longer and she laughed, saying that it was fine.

This was a Monday morning after Hurricane Isabel swept through the East Coast and Washington DC area. I was home alone when the power went out on the previous Friday morning which would ruin the mound of food I had just stocked our new freezer with. The power did not return until late Sunday evening.

I received a phone call later in the morning on Monday. My grandmother had passed away that morning. This turned out to be only the 2nd of too many devastating events which occurred during the most hellacious week I’ve ever experienced before or since. Hurricane. Death. Funeral (in Oklahoma). Family Violence. Police. Hospital. Panic Attacks (mine). Xanax. Delayed, then Cancelled Flights. Stuck in St.Louis. Missed Flights leaving DC for Indiana. Doctoral Oral Exams on following Monday.

After recovering, slightly, from all of the above, I knew I NEEDED HELP!!! As a result of the hellacious week, I had many reasons to be depressed. I found a therapist with whom I would develop a great working relationship, which certainly helped years later when I was being diagnosed with MS.

Common Causes of Depression

1. Disease Response

Experiencing a period of depression and uncertainty following the diagnosis of MS is not uncommon. It takes time to adjust to a “new reality” and grieve the loss of what was, or the loss of a planned future. I have observed that the first year post-diagnosis seems to be the most difficult one emotionally. However, most patients do eventually adjust to altered circumstances, even the ones which come from new disabilities, loss of employment or loss of relationships.

To be honest, I must admit that I’ve experienced the same post-diagnosis depression during each exacerbation. All of the uncertainties and fears come rushing back with each gain of unstable ground. If staying in a place of “emotion-centered” thoughts and avoiding constructive problem-solving skills, I become depressed more easily during and following a relapse. It takes time to come back around to acceptance.

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Mental Health and MS: Depression Causes

Multiple Sclerosis and Depression: Symptoms

Dreams are often a good indicator of where our needs in life are. The brain has an amazing ability to work through problems and issues while we sleep which is where the phrase - sleep on it - comes from. Sometimes the mind needs to work through our emotions while we sleep which is when my most vivid dreams seem to emerge.

I love the water. When swimming, I feel as though time stands still. The water passing over my shoulders as I lie on my back and kick a lap or two feels great. The gentle stretch overhead in a backstroke is rejuvenating. Going without contacts and having my ears underwater takes away spatial references enough so that I’m in my own world.

However, I have a dream which comes to visit occasionally. There is nothing in this dream besides me being underwater and pulled down into the depths of the ocean. Rays of light are shining through the surface, but they seem to be pulled farther and farther away. At first I struggle to rise, but then it doesn’t seem to matter. I lose all desire to reach the surface, even for a breath of fresh air.

This dream appears when I need a gentle message to examine my mood and mental health. It is the point at which I no longer pay attention to the dream that I’m in trouble, a sign of a major depression episode that has engulfed me leaving no desire to climb out of it. I’ve been in this place more times than I care to count. Never suicidal, mind you; just really in a very dark place.

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Mental Health and MS: Depression Symptoms

There is Still Hope

Monday is my birthday. It should be a happy time, I suppose. Isn't 41 truly the beginning of middle age? I can hardly believe that it's been over 9.5 years since I temporarily went blind due to optic neuritis. Wow, time flies and life has changed.

Many of those changes have been good and the result of unexpected circumstances. But lately I've been fighting a depressed mood. Insomnia has grabbed me and I do enjoy the quiet of night. I have little motivation to get things done which is understandable when using the vacuum makes my wrists hurt, folding laundry makes my arms ache, and the presence of piles of clutter on just about ALL surfaces makes me stick my head in the sand (so to speak).

I do like this time of year though. The temperatures begin to drop, sweat doesn't begin to drip as soon as you go outside, and a blanket on the bed gets used at night. The only thing I wish did not change during this time is the length of days becoming shorter. Much too soon, it will be getting dark at 5PM.

Besides that, Monday is my birthday (which I think I already said). Last year, I approached my birthday with great expectations and hopes for the future. I was turning 40 and pretty excited about potential changes in my life... changes which failed to occur. Now, I'm trying really hard not to dwell on the differences between dreams and realities, expectations and results, hopes and failures.

I'm trying to hold it together and live without expectations. But it's really hard when there is still hope.

To symbolize the assembly of putting our lives back together after disappointment, I'm offering the jigsaw puzzle below.



Now go have a great Labor Day weekend!!

MS: Psychomatic, Neurologic, Mood Disorder, or Personaltiy?

In some cases of Multiple Sclerosis, there may be the potential of a misdiagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (or other mood disorder) instead of MS. This got me to thinking...

How many patients are diagnosed with a Mood Disorder or Mental Illness before they are later found to have multiple sclerosis?

In my case, I was diagnosed with depression years before developing optic neuritis and eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I find the following article abstract an exciting peak into the connection of cytokines (which help to regulate inflammation and immunity) and depressive symptoms. See Gold SM and Irwin MR. Depression and immunity: inflammation and depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Neurologic Clinics. 2006 Aug; 24(3):507-19.

How many patients are diagnosed with a Psychosomatic Disorder or are told “It’s All In Your Head” when they experience neurological symptoms?

Meet Clare C. who is still yet-to-be-diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or other disease of the Central Nervous System. She is in what we refer to as Limboland having had periodic bouts of neurological symptoms, including Optic Neuritis, but no clear diagnosis.

“My first symptom came suddenly 6 months after the birth of my second Daughter in 2004. I woke up one day and my breakfast tasted like mould, my tea my toast. My sense of smell was affected too. It lasted six months and was fully normal after a year.”

Clare initially consulted with an Ear, Nose, Throat doctor, then later a neurologist who ordered MRIs which came back clear.

“In 2006 just a little while after my sense of smell had returned I started feeling numbness in my left eye, and left side of my face. Then I had started getting dizzy having vision problems, vertigo I felt like I was in a goldfish bowl looking out.”

It wasn’t until Clare began experiencing crippling headaches that she visited her doctor who referred her to a neurologist.

“The first appointment was pretty uneventful; although her first conclusion was that I probably had a trapped nerve in my neck and psychosomatic issues because I was in a foreign land (I am a British woman living in Germany). I took this at first with a pinch of salt and was pretty relieved that she hadn't spoken of serious illness.”


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Multiple Sclerosis: Psychosomatic, Neurologic, Mood Disorder, or Personality?

Psychoneuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, Inflammation, Psychosomatic Disorders

Ok. So I'm working on this grand post which touches on the issue of psychosomatic disorders and how those with Multiple Sclerosis might be told "it's all in your head" before they even discover that "it truly is in your head."

There is quite a bit of reach which connects inflammation, stress-induced cortisol levels, etc and the physical and psychological manifestations in humans. BTW, did you know that not only are they same pro-inflammatory cytokines inflammatory proteins (ie Interleukin-2 and -6) involved in MS are also involved in depression and bi-polar disorder?

How many of you were directed to consult a psychiatrist or offered anti-depressants before the doctor's would consider your symptoms which you now know are caused by MS?

Also, there is research that does indicate that specific types of antidepressants may be helpful in protecting from neurological damage. The whole field of psychoneuroimmunology is new to me, so I am reading a lot about it.

If you have information you'd like to share which touches on any of the above, please feel free to do so in the comments.