Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: August 11, 2015
Transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in people with multiple sclerosis: randomized controlled trial
Nabi Nazari1, Masood Sadeghi2, Ezatolah Ghadampour2
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran. Nazariirani@gmail.com.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. MS is significantly associated with a high rate of psychological, behavioral, and emotional consequences. Despite the frequent mental disorders, high rate of psychological comorbidities, and emotional problems in people with MS (PwMS), these conditions are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a group format of the unified protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in adult PwMS associated with an emotional disorder.
Methods:
Seventy adult PwMS were randomized using an internet-based computer system to either the unified protocol (n = 35) or treatment as usual condition. The assessment protocol included semi-structured clinical interviews and self-reports evaluating diagnostic criteria, depression, anxiety and worry symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and affectivity.
Results:
The parametric test of analysis of covariance, followed the intent to treat analyses, revealed the unified protocol significantly changed depression symptoms (Cohen's d = 1.9), anxiety symptoms (Cohen's d = 2.16), worry symptoms (Cohen's d = 1.27), emotion dysregulation (Cohen's d = 0.44), positive affect (Cohen's d = 1.51), and negative affect (Cohen's d = 1.89) compared with the control group. The unified protocol also significantly improved outcome scores at the end of treatment relative to baseline (p < .001).
Conclusion:
The findings support that the unified protocol could be an additional efficient psychological treatment for PwMS. Trial registration IRCT, number: IRCT20190711044173N1. Registered 31october 2019, https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/40779/view .
Insights
The unified protocol significantly improved emotional well-being in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This transdiagnostic treatment effectively reduced depression, anxiety, and worry symptoms in individuals with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system neurodegenerative disease.
- MS is strongly linked to psychological, behavioral, and emotional issues.
- These mental health conditions in people with MS (PwMS) are often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based unified protocol for treating emotional disorders in adult PwMS.
- To assess the transdiagnostic treatment's impact on emotional dysregulation and affectivity.
Main Methods:
- Seventy adult PwMS were randomized to either the unified protocol or treatment as usual.
- The study utilized internet-based randomization and included semi-structured clinical interviews and self-report measures.
- Assessments covered diagnostic criteria, depression, anxiety, worry, emotion dysregulation, and affectivity.
Main Results:
- The unified protocol group showed significant reductions in depression (Cohen's d=1.9), anxiety (d=2.16), and worry (d=1.27) compared to the control group.
- Significant improvements were observed in emotion dysregulation (d=0.44), positive affect (d=1.51), and negative affect (d=1.89).
- Outcome scores significantly improved from baseline to the end of treatment (p < .001).
Conclusions:
- The unified protocol is an effective psychological treatment for people with MS.
- This transdiagnostic approach offers a valuable option for managing emotional disorders in PwMS.
- Further research supports its integration into standard care for MS patients.
