Mood, Depression, and Emotions 1 of 3
Common emotional and mood changes in people with MS
How common are emotional and mood changes in people with MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect your emotions as well as your body. Although this has been recognised since MS was first described in the 19th century, it is only more recently that we have begun to understand more about how MS can cause changes in mood and feelings. There are now many treatments available to help manage these often upsetting and difficult aspects of MS. Medication, talking therapies and self-help techniques can all make it easier to cope.
Even so, mood, emotional and behavioural symptoms of MS – which can include depression – are sometimes overlooked, not fully acknowledged, or even dismissed as an understandable emotional reaction to the condition.
If you experience any changes in mood, emotions or behaviour, do seek medical advice. Your healthcare team can provide help and support.
Emotional and behavioural symptoms are different from 'cognitive' symptoms, which affect how your mind processes information, although they can affect each other. You can read more about cognitive symptoms in the MS Society publication Memory and thinking.
It is impossible to predict who will be affected by these symptoms or how. There is no set 'MS personality' and many people with MS do not experience changes in their mood, feelings and behaviour.
Causes of mood changes in people with MS
The causes of mood, emotional and behavioural changes in people with MS are not well understood, and a variety of factors can contribute to them. These factors fall into two broad categories – those that are directly related to MS, and those that are not directly related to MS. However, it is often difficult to pin down a specific cause for a specific symptom. It is more likely that a combination of factors is involved.
How are mood, emotional and behavioural changes directly related to MS?
Psychological reaction to MS
Being diagnosed with MS, coping with, and adapting to the changes and uncertainty it brings, can be very unsettling. It may lead to a whole array of emotions such as grief, anxiety, guilt, fear, irritation and anger. There is no right or wrong way to react, and reactions to the condition will vary greatly from person to person. Your own reaction will be influenced by how MS affects you, the symptoms you are experiencing and how you usually cope with what life throws at you.
MS-related nerve damage
The brain controls both conscious and unconscious actions by sending messages to all parts of the body. Different parts of the brain control different things, and the frontal lobe is responsible for the control of emotions and their outward expression. Regardless of your personality, nerve damage in this region of the brain can affect the way you feel or react, and can cause you to behave in a way that seems out of character.
What else plays a part in mood, emotional and behavioural changes?
Individual personality differences
Certain emotional and behavioural characteristics may have always been part of an individual’s personality and may have been obvious before their MS. Also, some people, regardless of an MS diagnosis, are more susceptible to depression and other emotional changes.
Other health conditions
It should not be assumed that all health issues – both emotional and physical – experienced by people with MS are related to MS. There could be other health conditions present that bring about changes in mood, behaviour or the way emotions are expressed. A doctor or MS nurse can ensure a medical assessment is completed, other conditions are not missed, and the most effective treatment is found.
Social circumstances
Social, financial and domestic circumstances can also influence emotional health. If this is the case, you may need to make some practical adjustments and seek additional help or support.
Compliments of: UK MS Society