MS = Mood Swings? From the National MS Society

Demyelination and damage to nerve fibers in the brain can result in emotional changes. Some of the medications used in MS—such as corticosteroids—can also have significant effects on the emotions.

It may be difficult to adjust to the diagnosis of a disorder that is unpredictable, has a fluctuating course, and carries a risk of progressing over time to some level of physical disability.

Some of the emotional changes observed in MS include the following:

Major depressive episodes as well as less severe depressive symptoms
Grieving for losses related to the disease
Stress and reactions to stressful situations
Generalized distress and anxiety
Emotional lability or mood swings
Pseudobulbar Affect – uncontrollable laughing and/or crying
Inappropriate behavior such as sexual aggressiveness

The National MS Society is a great resource for anyone diagnosed with MS and for friends and family members of patients.

MS sucks. It doesn’t have to suck the life out of you.

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