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Effects of psychological group therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis
1Department of Neuorology, General Hospital, Propst-Führer-Strasse 4, St Pölten, Austria.
Objectives:
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.
Material And 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".
Conclusion:
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.