Evaluation of an adjustment group for people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to evaluate a group treatment for people with multiple sclerosis and low mood. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Community. Participants: Patients with multiple sclerosis and low mood, scoring >7 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales or >2 on the General Health Questionnaire 12. Interventions: Participants either attended an adjustment group for six, 2-hour group treatment sessions or were on a waiting list to attend the group. Outcomes: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire 12, Multiple Sclerosis Self Efficacy Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale and Short Form 36 administered 3 and 6 months after random allocation. Results: Of the 219 patients identified, 100 (46%) reported depressive symptoms and 126 (58%) anxiety symptoms. Forty participants were recruited, aged 25—68 (mean 47.7 SD 9.7) and eight were men. Patients allocated to the group intervention reported fewer depressive symptoms than those in the control group (U 109.5, P<0.05) but there were no significant differences in anxiety symptoms, self-efficacy or quality of life. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms were reduced following group intervention, which suggests this may be an effective psychological treatment and warrants further evaluation.