Multimodal Psychotherapy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Lazarus Multimodal Psychotherapy (MMT) on perceived stress in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: Through a quasi-experimental design, forty patients in Qazvin city in Iran were selected by convenient sampling and then divided into two groups: experimental and control groups. After group assignment, Cohen’s perceived stress questionnaire and clinical interview based on DSM-IV were administered. Among 20 patients in experimental group, 16 patients completed the treatment. MMT was implemented in twelve 90- minute sessions in a period of 3 months. All subjects completed perceived stress questionnaire before (pretest) and after 3 and a 1 month follow-up periods. Results: Results of Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) showed that MMT had a significant effect on perceived stress. Results of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) showed that MMT could significantly decrease negative perception and increase positive perception scores. The results of negative perceived stress had remained low in experimental group in follow-up period, but two groups did not differ in positive perceived stress in followup assessment. Conclusion: Lazarus Multimodal Psychotherapy may be effective in increasing positive perceived stress and can decrease negative perceived stress in patients with MS.