Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for severely fatigued multiple sclerosis patients: A waiting list controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Limited evidence-based treatment options exist for MS-related fatigue.
• Severe fatigue significantly impacts the quality of life for MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for MS patients experiencing severe fatigue.
• To evaluate the potential effectiveness of MBCT in reducing fatigue and improving psychological outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

• A non-randomized pilot study design was employed, including a waiting list control group.
• Fifty-nine MS patients with severe fatigue participated.
• Outcomes were measured using the Fatigue Severity Subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength-20, alongside various psychological and quality of life measures, at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The adherence rate for the intervention was 71%, with high satisfaction among completers.
• Significant improvements were observed in 7 out of 11 outcome measures, with moderate effect sizes (η² = 0.10–0.17).
• Observed benefits, including fatigue reduction, were sustained at the 3-month follow-up, with 46% of completers showing clinically relevant changes in fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a feasible intervention for individuals with multiple sclerosis and severe fatigue.
• MBCT demonstrates positive effects in reducing severe fatigue and associated psychological distress.
• The study supports MBCT as a potentially valuable therapeutic option for managing complex symptoms in MS.