Effects of psychological group therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis

Acta Neurol Scand. 2003 Jun;107(6):394-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2003.00077.x.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a psychological therapy program used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and including cognitive/behavioral strategies, relaxation training and physical exercise.

Material and methods: The participants were 29 patients with MS recruited from an outpatient unit; 14 patients were assigned to the 7-week psychological therapy group (one session per week), the remainder formed a control group. Before and immediately after the course of therapy and after a 2-month follow-up, the participants completed a series of questionnaires measuring factors such as depression, anxiety, coping and body image.

Results: Compared with the control group the therapy group showed long-term improvements in depressive stress coping style and a short-term improvement in "vitality and body dynamics".

Conclusion: Further studies should investigate the differential effects of specific units of the therapy program and how the short-term improvements in "vitality and body dynamics" could be maintained for longer periods.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / therapy*
  • Body Image
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Exercise* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / psychology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Problem Solving
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Relaxation Therapy
  • Stress, Psychological / therapy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires