PHQiMS Version1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The PHQ-9 as a tool to measure depression in people with multiple sclerosis: a cross sectional validation study
IRAS ID
222316
Contact name
Peter Connick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system that affects over 11 thousand people across Scotland. Depression will affect 1 in 2 of this group at some stage of their illness, and 1 in 4 at any given time meet criteria for a diagnosis of depression. This impacts on quality of life and the ability to engage with care, but can be treated with conventional approaches.
Despite this, depression is under-recognised in neurological practice. In part this reflects limited resources (neurologists and MS nurses), but in part it reflects difficulties in distinguishing symptoms of depression (especially physical symptoms) from the symptoms of MS itself.
The Patient Health Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (PHQiMS) study aims to test the properties of a 9-question tool (PHQ-9) to detect and monitor depressive symptoms in this group.
This study is a cross sectional validation study. Specifically, it will collect data from a group of people with multiple sclerosis through online questionnaires at baseline, week 2, and week 4.
Data will be analysed to determine the reliability, validity, and acceptability of the PHQ-9 in this group of patients.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
17/SS/0040
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion