Comparison of Executive functions in Women with MS Comorbid with and without Depression, and Normal women

Objective of this study was comparing three groups of women with MS comorbid with, and without depression, and normal women.
This study was a causal-comparative research design. Among women who have referred to the MS Society in Markazi Province were recruited 24 women comorbid with depression through the Beck Depression Inventory and Structured Clinical Interview for Depression (SCID). Furthermore, they were screened after the consideration of inclusion criteria. Also, another group, patients with multiple sclerosis without depression symptoms among screened women who didnt show depression symptoms were selected. Finally, a group of normal women based on inclusion and exclusion criteria was chosen. Stroop test, Tower of London test and Digit span were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis (MANOVA).
Findings:The study showed significantly women who suffered from MS and depression in the same time had a weaker performance in Stroop test, Tower of London test and Digit span rather than two other groups. Also, this study showed significant difference in terms of performance tests between women with multiple sclerosis without depression symptoms and normal group.
The findings indicated that in addition to the difference in executive functions in MS patients compared to normal subjects, depression can intensify this difference. Due to this effect, paying attention to depression in the design of treatment is recommended.