Examining the Relationship Between Perceived Social Satisfaction, Depression, and Anxiety for People With Multiple Sclerosis Participating in Group Treatment Modalities

This study examined group therapy as a treatment modality for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, social satisfaction, anxiety, and depression outcomes were explored in relation to treatment modalities.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine the relationship between social satisfaction, anxiety, and depression for people with MS in group vs individual therapy. Inclusion criteria were age of 18 years or older, MS diagnosis, and participation in 3 or more group (intervention) or individual (control) therapy sessions with an MS behavioral medicine clinician. Participants completed the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QOL), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scales. Demographic variables and disease characteristics were also examined in the context of treatment modalities and in relation to reported social satisfaction. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed.

In covariate-adjusted models, baseline Neuro-QOL social satisfaction t scores were negatively associated with baseline Neuro-QOL anxiety (β = -0.53; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.37; P < .001) and depression t scores (β = -0.41; 95% CI, -0.57 to -0.25; P < .001). Patient-Determined Disease Steps score, educational status, and race were also associated with social satisfaction.

Anxiety and depression are negatively associated with social satisfaction, and treatment type is not associated with differing social satisfaction scores. Given this, patient-reported social satisfaction is an important consideration in the clinical treatment and interdisciplinary management of MS. Additional research is warranted to better understand outcomes relevant to different treatment modalities.