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Neuropsychiatric disorders among Ecuadorian patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

23072025ENGOur principal investigator at CISeAL, Dr. Ruth Jimbo, participated in a study that reveals the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders in Ecuadorian patients with central nervous system demyelinating diseases—multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)—treated at the Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital in Quito, a referral center that concentrates around 60% of MS cases and 70% of NMOSD cases in the country. The study included 151 adult participants (117 with MS; 34 with NMOSD) who met current international diagnostic criteria. Sociodemographic data and disability status (EDSS) were documented, and psychiatric instruments validated in Ecuador (Hamilton, BDI‑II, MINI, CGI‑BP‑M, ISO‑30) were applied by trained psychologists. Women and mestizo populations predominated in both cohorts; NMOSD patients were on average older (49.8 vs. 42.3 years) and had greater disability (mean EDSS 4.23 vs. 2.5), with more cases in the moderate/severe range. The overall prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders was high: 70.9% in MS and 85.29% in NMOSD. Moderate/severe anxiety was significantly more frequent in NMOSD, while depression showed comparable rates between groups.

The highest concentration of anxiety and depression was observed in the 41–50 age group in both diseases, but without statistically significant differences by age. Similarly, when stratified by disability, neuropsychiatric conditions clustered in mild disability in MS and moderate disability in NMOSD, without statistical significance. Problematic alcohol or substance use, as well as other diagnoses (bipolar disorder, social phobia, insomnia), was low; a low frequency of suicide attempts was also reported. These findings highlight the need for systematic screening and early multidisciplinary approaches to mental health in people with MS and NMOSD in the Latin American context.

We invite you to review the complete article for full details and results tables at the following link:We invite you to review the complete article for full details and results tables at the following link:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1587804/full