Depression in its various forms is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In fact, studies have suggested that clinical depression is more frequent among people with MS than it is in the general population or in many other chronic illnesses.The devastating impact depression has on patients with MS is seen throughout MS research. Depression is the number one correlate of quality of life for patients and their caregivers with MS. Suicide from depression is the 3rd leading cause of death in MS across the lifespan. 30% of patients with MS have suicidal ideation, and 10% of patients with MS will attempt suicide at some point during the course of their illness. Depression worsens MS. Thus, patients who are depressed with MS have a worse course of illness, and treatment of their depression improves the neurologic outcome of their illness.The good news is, Depression is the most treatable comorbidity of MS, with patients achieving a complete remission of their clinical depression with proper treatment.In this episode of Free Thinking Montel talks to a world-renown expert on MS and depression, Dr. Adam Kaplin. He is the principal psychiatric consultant to the Johns Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence and the clinical director of the Johns Hopkins Psychiatric Esketamine Clinic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com