Being in a relationship linked to less depression in MS

Credibility

Interest

Key Takeaway

Being in an intimate relationship was linked to fewer symptoms of depression in people with MS.

What They Found

Researchers tested 1,393 people with MS using standard questionnaires for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and self-reported thinking problems. After accounting for age, sex, education, disability level, MS type, how long they’d been sick, and treatment, people in an intimate relationship had lower depression scores. Relationship status did not change anxiety, fatigue, or self-reported thinking problems in this study. In plain terms, having a partner mattered for feelings of depression but not for worry, tiredness from MS, or perceived thinking troubles. The study used well-known questionnaires, so the results compare people fairly based on their background and disease features.

Who Should Care and Why

People with MS and their caregivers should notice that social support from a close partner may help reduce depressive feelings — similar to how having a friend listen can lift your mood. Healthcare providers can consider asking about relationship and social support when treating mood symptoms, because it might be a useful part of a care plan. Caregivers may see that emotional support and companionship can be as important as help with daily tasks for mood. This doesn’t mean being single causes depression — it means relationships can be a helpful resource, like an extra tool in your toolbox. Couples, single people, and support networks can use this information to think about ways to build connection that may protect mental health.

Important Considerations

This was a cross-sectional study, which means it looked at one point in time and cannot prove that relationships directly cause lower depression — only that they are linked. The study used self-report questionnaires, so answers depend on how people felt and remembered things; that can sometimes bias results. The sample was from one clinic in Canada and mostly women, so the findings might not apply exactly the same way to everyone with MS in other places or groups.

Categories:

Living with MS Mental Wellness Specific Symptoms

Article Topics:

AnxietyDepressionMarital statusMarriageMultiple sclerosisRelationships

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Journal of neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

Back to News