Mood Depression & Emotions
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 health care 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.