#077: Tailoring MS Treatment. The Impact of Mood Disorders on Patient Care with Dr. Emine Rabia Koç

MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast

Explore Dr. Emine Rabia Koç's insights on blending emotional and physical health for a holistic approach to MS treatment.

You can find the written version as blog article here: https://ms-perspektive.com/77-emine-rabia-koc

Today I speak with Dr. Emine Rabia Koç about the important intersection between mood disorders and patient care in multiple sclerosis. As an associate professor at Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine and a dedicated neurologist, Dr. Koç brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the MS community.

In this interview, Dr. Koç discusses the profound impact that mood disorders have on MS treatment and patient well-being. From her personal journey into the field of neuroimmunology to practical advice for patients and caregivers, Dr. Koç provides insights that underscore the importance of comprehensive care strategies that address both the physical and emotional facets of living with MS.

Table of Contents

• Introduction – Who is Emine Rabia Koç?
• Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Support for Future Challenges
• Understanding Mood Disorders in MS
• Clinical Relevance and Treatment Implications
• Best Practices and Recommendations
• Screening and Assessment
• Quickfire Q&A Session
• Farewell

Introduction – Who is Emine Rabia Koç?

Thank you for the invitation. I am Emine Rabia Koç, Associate Professor at Uludağ University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology. Working in the field of neurology is a passion for me. During my neurology residency, neuroimmunology and autoimmune diseases of the nervous system were areas that particularly interested me. After completing my residency, I started working and doing research in this field. The more I learned, the more I loved it, and I continued my education and training in this field. Since 2022, I have been a student in the MS Master program organized in partnership with the University of Dresden and the European Charcot MS Foundation.

I am also an ambassador for the Sumaira Foundation, the voice of NMOSD and MOGAD patients worldwide.

I try to balance my life in this cycle; I am married and have two children. The moments I spend with them are precious to me. I like walking in nature, swimming, cycling, reading books, and visiting different places and cultures in my free time.

How and where can interested people follow your research activities?

If you’re interested in following my research activities, you can find updates on my work through my university’s website and social media platforms. I also regularly share insights and findings on LinkedIn (Emine Rabia Koç),instagram(drkocrabia) where I engage with the MS community. I encourage everyone to stay connected, as collaboration and communication are key to advancing our understanding of MS.

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Many thanks to Rabia for giving us some insight views into the interaction of mood disorders and MS and for all her efforts that contribute in better health outcomes for her patients.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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