Effects of psychological group therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
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.


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".


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Tesar
N
N
Department of Neuorology, General Hospital, Propst-Führer-Strasse 4, St Pölten, Austria.
Baumhackl
U
U
Kopp
M
M
Günther
V
V
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy*; D001828:Body Image; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires