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

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.