Positive experiences ease MS depression

ST. LOUIS, April 10 (UPI) -- Increased positive experiences ease symptoms of depression often accompanying multiple sclerosis, U.S. researchers said.

The study, published in The Journal of Holistic Nursing, determined a higher number of positive experiences in patients with MS was associated with fewer symptoms of depression, fewer functional limitations and a better quality of life even when taking into account age, education and disease-related factors such as mobility, vision and cognition.

"People with MS typically rate the quality of their lives lower than that of the general population, so it is important for people with MS and clinicians involved in their care to understand what factors may improve the quality of their lives," study co-author Lorraine Phillips of the University of Missouri said in a statement.

Study participants recorded the frequency of positive experiences in their lives, such as, "I said something pleasant to someone who didn't expect it," and the researchers found those who reported a higher number of positive experiences also reported lower levels of symptoms of depression.

The researchers suggest healthcare providers encourage people with MS to participate in positive activities every day. Previous research finds people with MS benefit more from frequent smaller activities like smelling fresh flowers to larger activities like a week-long vacation.