A biosocial approach including psychoeducational wellness programs for treating patients with multiple sclerosis may help to improve a patient’s overall quality of life and well-being, according to a 10-week study of the group sessions.
At baseline, 54 MS patients completed a series of self-reported questionnaires, then either attended 10, 90-minute weekly psychoeducational wellness group sessions or no interventions. The intervention was aimed at improving patients’ awareness of social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual factors that can affect their overall well-being.
After 10 weeks study, subjects repeated the questionnaire and showed improvements in depression, anxiety, overall mental health, perceived stress, and pain, compared to the controls. No significant improvements were noted regarding social support, cognitive complaints, or fatigue.
Citation: McGuire KB, Stojanovic-Radic J, Strober L, Chiaravalloti ND, DeLuca J. Development and effectiveness of a psychoeducational wellness program for people with multiple sclerosis: description and outcomes. Int J MS Care. 2015;17(1):1-8. doi: 10.7224/1537-2073.2013-045.