Internet-based self-help treatment for depression in multiple sclerosis: study protocol of a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Depression is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and often undertreated.
• Physical limitations in MS can hinder access to traditional face-to-face therapy.
• Internet-based interventions show promise for managing depressive symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of a 5-week Internet-based self-help problem solving treatment (PST) for depressive symptoms in MS patients.
• To compare an Internet-based intervention (with or without text message support) against a waiting list control group.
• To assess the impact of Internet-based PST on secondary outcomes including anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial protocol involving 166 MS patients with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
• Participants will be randomized to either an Internet-based intervention group or a waiting list control group.
• Primary outcome: change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) sum score; secondary outcomes: anxiety, fatigue, cognitive function, MS impact, quality of life, and more.

Main Results:

• This section will report findings on the primary outcome (change in BDI-II scores) and secondary outcomes after the intervention and during follow-up.
• Analysis will be based on the intention-to-treat principle.
• Assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and at 4 and 10 months follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based PST offers a potential new avenue for treating depression in MS patients.
• Successful implementation could improve the quality of care for this population.
• This approach may overcome accessibility barriers associated with physical limitations.