title: 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: 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).
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Torino , Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Calandri
authors.affiliation: b Cosso Foundation , Pinerolo, Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Graziano
authors.affiliation: b Cosso Foundation , Pinerolo, Torino , Italy.|c CRESM (Regional Referral Multiple Sclerosis Centre) - "San Luigi Gonzaga" Hospital - Orbassano , Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Borghi
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Torino , Torino , Italy.|b Cosso Foundation , Pinerolo, Torino , Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bonino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy
keywords: Chronic illness; depression; empowerment; mental health; optimism; positive and negative affect