Article

The study evaluated a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention
aimed at promoting the quality of life and the psychological well-being of
recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (up to 3 years since the
diagnosis). METHOD: The study involved 85 patients [59% women; mean age 37, SD =
12.3; 94% with relapsing-remitting MS; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
between 1 and 4]. A quasi-experimental study design was applied; 54 patients
(intervention group) participated in five group sessions, a 6-month
post-intervention and a 1-year follow-up; 31 patients (comparison group)
participated in activities routinely provided to recently diagnosed MS patients.
Measures of Quality of Life (SF-12), Depression (CESD-10), Affective well-being
(PANAS) and Optimism (LOT-R) were assessed. RESULTS: At the 6-month
post-intervention, mental health increased in the intervention group and
decreased in the comparison group, whereas negative affect decreased in the
intervention group and increased in the comparison group. At the 1-year
follow-up, mental health and optimism increased in the intervention group and
decreased in the comparison group. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests
that the proposed intervention fosters the quality of life and the psychological
well-being of recently diagnosed MS patients by reducing negative affect and
promoting mental health and optimism, particularly in the long term. Implications
for Rehabilitation Preliminary evidence suggests that a group-based cognitive
behavioral intervention focused on identity redefinition, sense of coherence and
self-efficacy promotes the quality of life (increased mental health) and
psychological well-being (decreased negative affect and increased optimism) of
recently diagnosed MS patients (up to 3 years since the diagnosis). The first
years following the MS diagnosis should be considered a good time for a
psychological intervention aimed at promoting the patient's adjustment to the
illness. Strategies should be found to increase the participation of recently
diagnosed MS patients in psychological interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS