Latest MS research update - 12 March 2010
The MS Trust runs a weekly search for interesting and relevant research articles relating to multiple sclerosis using Medline, a specialised search engine for medical journals. The following updates consist of a selection of articles retrieved through the Medline search in recent weeks. The original abstracts to each of the articles can be accessed via the Medline links provided.
- Study into the impact of advanced MS on families
- Computer-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes in people with MS with mild to moderate depression
Study into the impact of advanced MS on families
In many cases, MS is a condition that not only affects the people with it, but also those around them including friends and family. The MS Trust supported this study into the psychosocial impact of MS on families. It explored family relationships and support needs when adapting to a relative's advanced multiple sclerosis. 25 relatives of people with MS who were in residential or respite care and had an EDSS score of 7 or above were interviewed.
Key themes emerged out of these interviews around issues of: information, communication and understanding; family relationships, roles and responsibilities; emotions, coping and support; life outlook and reflection. Relatives reported that as a family and as individuals they faced significant challenges and were in great need of support at times, but said that they would have found it hard to accept and would not have known what sort of support to look for. The authors conclude by recommending that health professionals need to shift their emphasis away from the traditional health professional 'patient-centred' mindset towards more proactive 'family-centred' approaches and point to ways of achieving this.
Bowen C, Maclehose A, Beaumont JG.
Advanced multiple sclerosis and the psychosocial impact on families
Psychology and Health 2010; [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
Computer-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes in people with MS with mild to moderate depression
People with long-term conditions including multiple sclerosis are at higher risk of suffering from depression. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy are increasingly prescribed for people suffering from conditions such as anxiety and depression. Due to short supply of cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners, programmes are often offered in a computer-based format. This study investigated the effectiveness of two different computer-based courses of cognitive behavioural therapy in people with multiple sclerosis suffering from mild to moderate depression.
17 people took part in the study, eight people completed the 'beating the blues course' in eight weekly sessions; nine people completed the 'MoodGym' program in five weekly sessions. In-depth interviews were used to collect participants' views on their experiences and the effectiveness of the respective programmes.
Participants revealed that they found computer-based cognitive behavioural therapy programmes burdensome due to their physical symptoms. The computer-based courses were also found to perpetuate social isolation. Some particpants found that the lack of human input meant they were unable to define problems, set goals, or distinguish between events, thoughts and beliefs as required. The programmes did not help them rationalise their grief over losses associated with their MS. In light of these findings, the study authors conclude that generic computer-based packages for the treatment of depression need to be adapted for people with chronic physical conditions to maximize their potential for health benefit.
Hind D, O'Cathain A, Cooper CL, et al.
The acceptability of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of depression in people with chronic physical disease: a qualitative study of people with multiple sclerosis.
Pyschology and Health 2010; [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
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