Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with depression, anxiety, and general mental health in people with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may be at increased risk for psychological distress during COVID-19. We study the self-reported mental health of U.S. PwMS during COVID-19, prior to vaccine rollout. Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed online to PwMS through iConquerMS (12/18/2020–02/10/2021). Depressive and anxiety symptom burdens and general mental health status were measured via the Patient-Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and PROMIS Global Mental Health scales. Linear regression models assessed associations between mental health variables and age, sex, disability status, comorbidities, and social determinants of health. Results Of 610 U.S. PwMS (mean age 56 years, standard deviation 11, range 20–85; female, 81%; relapsing remitting disease, 62%; previous depression diagnosis, 40%), the prevalences of moderate-to-severe depressive and anxiety symptom burden were 27.4% and 14.7%, respectively; 55.1% endorsed fair/poor general mental health. PwMS who tested positive for COVID-19 (n = 47, 7.7%) reported higher depressive and anxiety symptom burdens (p < 0.05). Increased disability status score and social determinants of health were each associated with more depressive symptoms and worse general mental health. Younger age was associated with increased depressive and anxiety symptom burdens and worse general mental health. Female sex was associated with greater anxiety symptoms. Conclusion There are specific associations for worse mental health among PwMS during COVID-19 that reflect a combination of clinical, demographic, and social determinants of health. Multidisciplinary care teams and vigilance are important to address the ongoing mental health impacts of COVID-19 in PwMS.