Symptom changes in multiple sclerosis following psychological interventions: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system disease with diverse physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional impacts.
• The study focuses on the often-debilitating physiological symptoms experienced by individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions in mitigating the physiological symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
• To synthesize current research on the relationship between psychological treatments and physical well-being in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library).
• Studies were selected and assessed based on predefined inclusion criteria and a rigorous protocol.

Main Results:

• 22 studies involving 5,705 subjects with MS were included in the review.
• Psychological interventions demonstrated general improvements in both psychological and physiological outcomes.
• Key physiological symptoms positively affected include fatigue, sleep disturbances, pain, and physical vitality.

Conclusions:

• A significant positive association exists between psychological interventions and the management of physiological symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis.
• The findings support the integration of psychological approaches into comprehensive MS care.
• Further research is warranted to explore specific intervention mechanisms and long-term effects.