Evaluation of an adjustment group for people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to evaluate a group treatment for people with multiple sclerosis and low mood.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
Patients with multiple sclerosis and low mood, scoring >7 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales or >2 on the General Health Questionnaire 12.


METHODS
Participants either attended an adjustment group for six, 2-hour group treatment sessions or were on a waiting list to attend the group.


RESULTS
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire 12, Multiple Sclerosis Self Efficacy Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale and Short Form 36 administered 3 and 6 months after random allocation.


RESULTS
Of the 219 patients identified, 100 (46%) reported depressive symptoms and 126 (58%) anxiety symptoms. Forty participants were recruited, aged 25-68 (mean 47.7 SD 9.7) and eight were men. Patients allocated to the group intervention reported fewer depressive symptoms than those in the control group (U 109.5, P<0.05) but there were no significant differences in anxiety symptoms, self-efficacy or quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms were reduced following group intervention, which suggests this may be an effective psychological treatment and warrants further evaluation.
Forman
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AC
Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. nadina.lincoln@nottingham.ac.uk
Lincoln
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NB
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016037:Single-Blind Method