Article

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 multiple sclerosis patients through the promotion of
identity redefinition, sense of coherence, and self-efficacy. DESIGN: A
randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Non-medical setting, external to the
Multiple Sclerosis Clinic Centre. SUBJECTS: Eighty-two patients: 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: Patients 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 posttreatment 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 patients' quality of life and has an
effect on psychological well-being and self-efficacy.

Langue : ANGLAIS