Cognitive behaviour therapy for common mental disorders in people with Multiple Sclerosis: A bench marking study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are prevalent in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.
• These conditions are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in the MS population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) service for common mental disorders in individuals with MS.
• To compare the outcomes of this service with previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CBT in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 49 patients with MS were assessed for suitability for CBT, with 29 ultimately receiving treatment.
• Patient assessments, including the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale, were conducted at baseline and post-treatment.
• Standardized effect sizes were calculated and compared against data from five prior RCTs.

Main Results:

• The CBT service demonstrated statistically significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms among MS patients.
• A large effect size was observed in this clinical service, although it was smaller than those reported in published RCTs.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for individuals with MS in routine clinical practice.
• Factors such as broader patient selection and treatment heterogeneity may influence effectiveness compared to RCTs.
• Routine psychological interventions are warranted in neurology services due to high distress levels in MS patients, with future research needed to optimize CBT delivery.