Psychological Interventions for Multiple Sclerosis: Effects on Anxiety, Depression, and Cognition.

This study evaluated the efficacy of two structured psychological interventions in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The main objective was to evaluate whether Group-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychophysiological Regulation Therapy (PRT) improved emotional well-being and objective cognitive functioning compared with Standard Care (SC). A total of 153 individuals with RRMS were assessed for eligibility, of whom 148 were randomized to one of three study conditions: Group-Based CBT, PRT, or SC (waiting-list control). Participants were allocated using a simple computer-generated randomization sequence with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. Both active interventions were delivered in small groups over 12 weekly sessions. CBT and PRT shared a common therapeutic framework comprising psychoeducation, mindfulness, psychophysiological regulation strategies, and homework assignments. The CBT condition additionally incorporated specific cognitive-behavioral components during sessions 4-10. Assessments were conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the 12-week intervention period using standardized psychological and neuropsychological measures. The study evaluated treatment effects across complementary domains of emotional functioning and objective cognitive performance.