Improving the quality of life and psychological well-being of recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients: preliminary evaluation of a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention

Abstract

Purpose: The study evaluated a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention aimed at promoting the quality of life and the psychological well-being of recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (up to 3 years since the diagnosis).

Method: The study involved 85 patients [59% women; mean age 37, SD = 12.3; 94% with relapsing-remitting MS; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 1 and 4]. A quasi-experimental study design was applied; 54 patients (intervention group) participated in five group sessions, a 6-month post-intervention and a 1-year follow-up; 31 patients (comparison group) participated in activities routinely provided to recently diagnosed MS patients. Measures of Quality of Life (SF-12), Depression (CESD-10), Affective well-being (PANAS) and Optimism (LOT-R) were assessed.

Results: At the 6-month post-intervention, mental health increased in the intervention group and decreased in the comparison group, whereas negative affect decreased in the intervention group and increased in the comparison group. At the 1-year follow-up, mental health and optimism increased in the intervention group and decreased in the comparison group.

Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that the proposed intervention fosters the quality of life and the psychological well-being of recently diagnosed MS patients by reducing negative affect and promoting mental health and optimism, particularly in the long term.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Preliminary evidence suggests that a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention focused on identity redefinition, sense of coherence and self-efficacy promotes the quality of life (increased mental health) and psychological well-being (decreased negative affect and increased optimism) of recently diagnosed MS patients (up to 3 years since the diagnosis).

• The first years following the MS diagnosis should be considered a good time for a psychological intervention aimed at promoting the patient’s adjustment to the illness.

• Strategies should be found to increase the participation of recently diagnosed MS patients in psychological interventions.

Keywords:

• Chronic illness
• depression
• empowerment
• mental health
• optimism
• positive and negative affect

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all patients of the CRESM (Regional Referral Multiple Sclerosis Center), Torino, Italy, who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Funding information

This work was supported by the Cosso Foundation, Pinerolo, Torino (Italy).