Fatigue and Depression in Children With Demyelinating Disorders

Fatigue and depression have been shown to be significant problems in children with multiple sclerosis. The rate at which these conditions occur in children with other acquired demyelinating syndromes is unknown. In this cross-sectional study, the authors evaluated 49 children with demyelinating disorders (multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) and 92 healthy controls for depression and/or fatigue using the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition behavior and mood rating scale and Varni PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. The parents of acquired demyelinating syndrome patients were more likely to report elevated depressive symptoms (30.8% vs 10.8%, P = .008). Elevated parent and self-reported total fatigue (25% vs 0%, P < .001, 26.7% vs 8.6%, P = .024) was seen in the patient cohort. The authors conclude that fatigue and depression are far more common in children with acquired demyelinating syndromes than in controls. Clinical attention to and implementation of effective therapies oriented toward these conditions in children with acquired demyelinating syndromes is needed.