Abstract
Objective: People with multiple sclerosis often suffer from distress, reduced societal participation and low quality of life. Evidence-based psychological treatment options for multiple sclerosis are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on participation and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. Methods: We performed a non-concurrent multiple baselines design study. Six female patients with multiple sclerosis participated. Randomization was implemented by assigning participants randomly to a baseline (waiting) period of three, six or nine weeks. We measured quality of life, and participation on a daily basis, and acceptance and cognitive defusion on a weekly basis. Statistical analyses were performed using randomization tests. Results: After Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, five participants showed statistically significant increases in quality of life and three participants showed statistically significant improvements in participation. Acceptance increased in two patients, and cognitive defusion improved in one patient. Conclusion: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy seems promising for improving the quality of life and participation in people with multiple sclerosis. Mechanisms underlying improvement are not clear yet. Further large-scale controlled studies with more representative samples and a longer follow-up period are justified.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder in young adults
Three participants experienced no to minimal disabilities due to MS (EDSS < 3), and three participants had moderate to severe disabilities, affecting or impairing their daily activities (EDSS ≥ 3)
For participants A, B and D visual inspection indicates that the mean frequencies score increased over time; for patients A and D, scores increased by more than 10%
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder in young adults. The clinical picture is diverse, with physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Evidence-based psychological treatment options for people with MS are limited [6, 7]. Growing evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be effective [8,9,10]. Over the last ten years, evidence for the effectiveness of third-generation behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for People with Multiple Sclerosis growing. ACT mixes acceptance- and mindfulness-based strategies with commitment and behavior-change strategies to increase acceptance and cognitive defusion. Several studies with patients with depression, anxiety, diabetes mellitus, cancer or chronic pain link ACT to decreased fatigue, depression and anxiety, and increased participation and QoL [2, 12,13,14,15,16,17].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
