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An online programme to reduce depression in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial
Anja Fischer1, Johanna Schröder2, Eik Vettorazzi3
1Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
The Lancet. Psychiatry
|September 12, 2015
Summary
An internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program, Deprexis, effectively reduced depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. This online intervention offers a viable treatment option for managing depression in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Digital Health
Background:
- Depression affects up to 50% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), often remaining underdiagnosed and untreated.
- MS-related mobility impairments can hinder access to traditional in-person therapy sessions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Deprexis, a fully automated, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program, in reducing depressive symptoms among patients with MS.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 90 adult MS patients experiencing depressive symptoms.
- Participants were allocated 1:1 to receive either the Deprexis intervention or a waitlist control for 9 weeks.
- The primary outcome measure was the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score, analyzed via intention-to-treat.
Main Results:
- The Deprexis group showed a significant reduction in BDI scores compared to the waitlist control group (mean difference -4.02 points, p=0.015).
- No patients in the intervention group experienced worsening of depressive symptoms above the clinical cutoff, unlike 7% in the control group.
- No adverse events, including suicidal ideation, were reported during the trial.
Conclusions:
- Automated internet-based psychological interventions like Deprexis are a suitable and effective treatment for depression in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- iCBT programs can overcome barriers to treatment associated with MS, such as mobility limitations.
