Influence of anxiety and depression on the executive function in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: to determine the influence of anxiety and depression on the executive function components in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: thirty patients with MS and 30 healthy controls were assessed through a battery of cognitive tests, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: the group of MS presented statistically significant differences (p <0.05) in tests that assess inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, abstract reasoning, practical-constructive problem solving, phonetic and verbal fluency, trait and state anxiety, and depression. The simple linear regression analysis found that high levels of anxiety and depression may be a predictor of variability in the functioning of inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, practical and constructive problem solving, and semantic and verbal fluencies. Conclusions: the rates of anxiety and depression significantly influence some components of the executive functions.