• Federica Graziano, Emanuela Calandri, Martina Borghi, and Silvia Bonino.
• 1Cosso Foundation, Pinerolo, Torino, Italy.
• Clin Rehabil. 2014 Mar 1; 28 (3): 264-74.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral group-based intervention aimed at reducing depression and fostering quality of life and psychological well-being of multiple sclerosis patients through the promotion of identity redefinition, sense of coherence, and self-efficacy.DesignA randomized controlled trial.SettingNon-medical setting, external to the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic Centre.SubjectsEighty-two patients: 64% women; mean age 40.5, SD = 9.4; 95% with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) between 1 and 5.5 were included in the study.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (five cognitive behavioral group-based sessions, n = 41) or to a control group (three informative sessions, n = 41).Main MeasuresDepression (CES-D), Quality of life (MSQOL revised), Psychological well-being (PANAS), Identity Motives Scale, Sense of Coherence (SOC), and Self Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis.ResultsQuality of life increased in the intervention group compared with the control at 6-months follow-up (mean change 0.72 vs. -1.76, p < 0.05). Well-being in the intervention group increased for males and slightly decreased for females at 6-months follow-up (mean change 6.58 vs. -0.82, p < 0.05). Contrasts revealed an increase in self-efficacy in the intervention group at posttreatment compared with the control (mean change 2.95 vs. -0.11, p < 0.05). Depression tended to lower, while identity and coherence increased in the intervention group compared with the control, though the differences were not significant.ConclusionsPreliminary evidence suggests that intervention promotes patients' quality of life and has an effect on psychological well-being and self-efficacy.

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