The Association Between the Occurence of Sensory Integration Disorders, Depression, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system associated with both motor and non-motor symptoms. Depression and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are frequent in relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), but the role of sensory integration disorders (SID) remains unclear. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 205 RRMS patients (147 females, 58 males; aged 19–69 years) treated at the Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin (2022–2023). SID were evaluated using the Daniel Travis Questionnaire, depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), fatigue using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), and disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). MRI T2 lesion counts and relapse rates were analyzed using non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). Results: SID were significantly associated with depression severity. Patients with moderate to severe depression showed greater impairment in sensory discrimination, motor abilities, and emotional functioning (p < 0.05). Higher disability (EDSS > 3) and longer disease duration correlated with worse SID scores. Relapse frequency was linked to poorer sensory-seeking and emotional domains, while no association was found between SID and CFS or MRI lesion load. Conclusions: SID are prevalent in RRMS and correlate with depression, disease duration, and disability, suggesting potential therapeutic value in sensory-based rehabilitation.