Abstract Details

Title Rates of Depression and Suicidality in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Topic Child Neurology and Developmental Neurology

Presentation(s) P12 - Poster Session 12 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 4-003

Objective To determine rates of depression and feelings of suicidality in youth with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS).

Background Depression has been documented in 30% of POMS patients when evaluated using formal neuropsychological testing. Detection of depressed mood and suicidality using screening tools in regular clinical care would prioritize selection of patients at greatest needs for further testing and intervention.

Design/Methods Pilot study in a single POMS program utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which assesses the symptom frequency of 9 items during the immediately preceding 2 weeks, with scores of 5–9 indicating mild depression; 10–14: moderate depression; 15–19: moderately severe depression; and ≥ 20-27: severe depression. Suicidality was assessed by a single question asking, “Have you had] thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way”. Patients endorsing suicidality were evaluated by their physician or a trained social worker to assess the patient’s safety, utilizing the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale when applicable.

Results Eighteen of 54 (33.33%) POMS patients reported experiencing at least moderate depression (9 with moderate depression, 7 with moderately severe depression, and 2 with severe depression). Nine patients endorsed suicidal ideation. Of those experiencing at least moderate depression, 38.89% of patients endorsed suicidal thoughts; one patient required emergency crisis intervention in the emergency room.

Conclusions Screening for depression and suicidal ideation in POMS clinic identified that 33.33% experienced depressive symptoms- very similar to rates identified using semi-structured diagnostic interview and lengthier parent-report questionnaires. Suicidal thoughts were endorsed by almost 40% of those with depressed mood- highlighting the critical importance of specifically asking such questions. Increased suicidality in youth has been identified as a national health emergency.

Authors/Disclosures
PRESENTER	No disclosure on file
Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW	Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for PTC. Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Biogen. Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for PTC .
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Amy T. Waldman, MD (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)	Dr. Waldman has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for SwanBio. An immediate family member of Dr. Waldman has or had stock in Pfizer. The institution of Dr. Waldman has received research support from Ionis Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Waldman has received research support from Roche/Genentech. The institution of Dr. Waldman has received research support from Ionis Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Waldman has received research support from Calico. Dr. Waldman has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Waldman has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Sarah Hopkins, MD (The Children'S Hospital of Philadelphia)	The institution of Dr. Hopkins has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Hopkins has received research support from CDC.
Sona Narula, MD (CHOP)	Dr. Narula has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Medscape .
Brenda L. Banwell, MD, FAAN (Johns Hopkins University)	Dr. Banwell has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Dr. Banwell has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for UCB. Dr. Banwell has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Roche. Dr. Banwell has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Janssen. Dr. Banwell has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Genentech. Dr. Banwell has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Novartis. The institution of Dr. Banwell has received research support from National MS Society. The institution of Dr. Banwell has received research support from NIH.

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