Evaluation of frequency of fatigue syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is a common symptom occuring in different neurological diseases. It has an influence on social and proffesional live, and daily living activities of the patients. The aim of the study was to assess frequency of fatigue and its association with depression and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined group consisted of 44 patients with MS (mean age: 36.3+/-9.4 years). The control group involved 30 healthy volunteers. All the subjects fulfilled two questionnaires: Fatigue Severity Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Fatigue was present in 29 MS patients (66%) and in 8 controls (26.7%) (p=0.0002). Anxiety was noticed in 11 MS patients (25%) and in 2 controls (6.7%) (p=0.002). Depression was diagnosed in 3 MS patients (6.8%) and 2 controls (6.7%) (NS). Frequency of fatigue was similar in women and men, but anxiety and depression were more common in women. There was no correlation between fatigue and age, duration of the disease and EDSS. An association between fatigue and depression, but not anxiety, was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue is a very common symptom in MS, sometimes associated with depression. It should be considered in every patient with MS, independently from age, sex, disability and duration of the disease.