Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Trial

Should CBT be offered as a first-line for SM-related anxiety and depression? #MSBlog #MSResearch

"I am great supporter of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); it makes sense and prevents neurologists from reaching for the prescription pad. The problem is access to good quality therapists. In the NHS the shortage of therapists means a long wait and possibly truncated courses. Have any of you had experiences to share regarding CBT?"


Epub: Graziano et al. The effects of a group-based cognitive behavioral therapy on people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.Clin Rehabil. 2013 Sep.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral group-based intervention aimed at reducing depression and fostering quality of life and psychological well-being of MSers through the promotion of identity redefinition, sense of coherence, and self-efficacy.

Subjects: Eighty-two MSers: 64% women; mean age 40.5, SD = 9.4; 95% with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 1 and 5.5 were included in the study.

Interventions: MSers were randomly assigned to an intervention group (five cognitive behavioral group-based sessions, n = 41) or to a control group (three informative sessions, n = 41). Main measures Depression (CES-D), Quality of life (MSQOL revised), Psychological well-being (PANAS), Identity Motives Scale, Sense of Coherence (SOC), and Self Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis.

Results: Quality of life increased in the intervention group compared with the control at 6-months follow-up (mean change 0.72 vs. -1.76, p < 0.05). Well-being in the intervention group increased for males and slightly decreased for females at 6-months follow-up (mean change 6.58 vs. -0.82, p < 0.05). Contrasts revealed an increase in self-efficacy in the intervention group at post-treatment compared with the control (mean change 2.95 vs. -0.11, p < 0.05). Depression tended to lower, while identity and coherence increased in the intervention group compared with the control, though the differences were not significant.


Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that intervention promotes MSers' quality of life and has an effect on psychological well-being and self-efficacy.

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