Summary: Researchers studied potential factors that could influence the risk of mental health disorders in women with MS during pregnancy and after childbirth. They found that lack of social support and greater disability levels were associated with higher rates of mental illness. Understanding these risks are important in improving mental health outcomes for women with MS.
Background: MS is associated with higher rates of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. For women with MS, this elevated risk can even occur around pregnancy and after childbirth which could be harmful to the mother and child.
Details: A team of researchers from Canada and Sweden examined mental health disorders in women with MS during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth (also called peripartum period). They used health claims data from over 1,700 mothers with MS in Ontario, Canada collected over a 17-year period. The researchers also found possible reasons why women with MS may be more likely to experience mental health issues.
Results:
- Women with MS experienced higher rates of mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, compared to those without MS or those with other chronic conditions.
- Mental illness affected 42% of women with MS during pregnancy and increased to 50% in the first year after giving birth, compared to 30% of people without MS during pregnancy and 38% in the first year after birth.
- Women with MS living in communities that lacked social support had higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Women with greater disability were more likely to experience depression.
Impact: These findings can help healthcare providers recognize which women with MS may need mental health support during pregnancy and after childbirth. By identifying these needs early and providing effective care, it’s possible to lower the risk of mental health issues and improve overall outcomes for women living with MS.
References:
- Article published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal on April 18, 2025 – Risk factors for incident peripartum mental illness in multiple sclerosis.
- Article published in Neurology on January 22, 2025 – Peripartum Mental Illness in Mothers With Multiple Sclerosis and Other Chronic Diseases in Ontario, Canada.
Additional Information:
- Learn more about the research we fund.