Jeffrey Wilken, PhD President-Elect, Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC); assistant professor of neurology, Georgetown University; director of Research, Neuropsychology Associates of Fairfax; executive director, Washington Neuropsychology Research Group
Guest
Anthony Feinstein, MPhil, PhD, FRCP Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto
Segment Breakdown
00:00 – Jeffrey Wilken, PhD, introduces Anthony Feinstein, MPhil, PhD, FRCP, and the topic of his Donald Paty lecture on depression in MS.
02:00 – Anthony Feinstein, MPhil, PhD, FRCP, notes the lack of sex-based differences in MS depression and absence of a genetic link, contrasting with general population trends.
04:00 – Structural and functional imaging show limbic system changes in patients with MS who are depressed, offering biological explanations for depression independent of life circumstances.
05:00 - Anthony Feinstein, MPhil, PhD, FRCP, highlights 2 promising drug and discusses strong evidence for internet-based CBT as well as the growing role of digital mental health tools.
07:30 - Anthony Feinstein, MPhil, PhD, FRCP, recommends combining therapy and medication, borrowing from general psychiatry, and notes that most patients with MS prefer psychotherapy, aligning with global mental health trends.
9:00 - Depression often goes undiagnosed or untreated in MS clinics and nurses or family members may notice depression first because of time-limited neurology visits.
10:30 - Anthony Feinstein, MPhil, PhD, FRCP, praises the meeting’s behavioral health focus and upcoming sessions on cognitive wellness and brain health. Emphasizes a shift toward supporting patient resilience and well-being, accelerated by the pandemic.
11:30 - Jeffrey Wilken, PhD, thanks Anthony Feinstein, MPhil, PhD, FRCP, for his lecture and conversation.