People with neurological conditions experience higher rates of depression than those in other patient groups without neurological conditions. Decreased social activities contribute to the continuation and exacerbation of depression through a loss of contact with contingencies that were previously reinforcing and mood enhancing. Conversely, engagement in social and leisure activities for people with multiple sclerosis promotes positive mood and well-being. With depression and reduced or declining physical abilities (common in many neurological conditions), individuals find it difficult to identify with and engage in activities that have pleasurable or reinforcing consequences.
University of Lincoln, College of Social Science Research
Lloyd Oates, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Nima Moghaddam, University of Lincoln, School of Psychology
Nikos Evangelou, University of Nottingham, Division of Neurosciences
Roshan das Nair, University of Nottingham, Institute of Mental Health