Evaluation of the effects of group psychotherapy on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis with cognitive dysfunction and depression

Abstract

Avaliação do efeito da psicoterapia de grupo sobre as funções cognitivas de pacientes com esclerose múltipla que apresentam simultaneamente alterações cognitivas e depressão Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease considered to be of autoimmune origin and characterized by focal inflammatory-demyelinating lesions, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (CNS), affecting the white matter, cortex and deep gray matter of the brain 1 . The demyelination associated with MS lesions and axonal degeneration is responsible for neurological disabilities in patients with MS 1 . One or more psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and depression, are observed in approximately 80% of individuals with MS 2,3 . Schiffer noted that a high incidence and prevalence of depressive symptoms have been reported in MS compared to many other neurological diseases 4 . Assessments with neuropsychological tests can identify the presence of cognitive dysfunction in 65% of patients with MS, compared to only 5% of outpatient controls 5 . Cognitive dysfunction, independent of the physical disability created by the disease itself, is an important factor that impairs routine daily activities and decreases labor productivity 6,7,8 . Cognitive disorders observed in MS usually affect memory,

Effects of enhanced environment and induced depression on cuprizone mouse model of demyelination

“…A study conducted on MS patients with various degrees of depression revealed greater neuropsychological dysfunction, as compared to non-depressed MS patients (34). Moreover, psychotherapy has been suggested as a method of decreasing cognitive impairments in MS patients (35).…”

Psychosocial group therapy interventions for patients with physical disabilities: A scoping review of implementation considerations.

“…Health comorbidities were explicitly mentioned in the form of cognitive dysfunction (i.e., impaired memory, attention, executive function, etc. ; Bilgi et al, 2015; Guest et al, 2015; Hanssen et al, 2016; Pakenham et al, 2018), traumatic brain injury (Craig et al, 2017; Guest et al, 2015), and unspecified conditions (Anderson et al, 2017; Navarta-Sánchez et al, 2020). Other comorbidities included chronic illness (Canivet et al, 2016), as well as “psychiatric diagnosis” (Berardelli et al, 2018) and “serious illness” (Fitzpatrick et al, 2010) as being present among participants with physical disabilities.…”

“…Out of the 55 studies, 17 studies incorporated components of homework given to participants. Most of these included practicing exercises and skills learned during psychosocial group therapy sessions (Hadinia et al, 2017), such as relaxation exercises (Graziano et al, 2014), mindfulness practice (Advocat et al, 2016), self-guided homework (Anderson et al, 2017), and cognitive exercises (Bilgi et al, 2015).…”

“…One study offered a combination of weekly and monthly sessions (Dissanayaka et al, 2016), and one study involved a one-time group therapy session (Köpke et al, 2009). Lastly, ten studies did not specify the frequency of psychosocial group therapy sessions (Bilgi et al, 2015;Borghi et al, 2018;Calandri et al, 2017;Canivet et al, 2016;Forman & Lincoln, 2010;Graziano et al, 2014;Guo et al, 2009;Humphreys et al, 2013;Lincoln et al, 2011; Aims to help (disabled) women recover from the specific injuries of oppression, exploitation, and domination and to facilitate their use of individual and collective power to redefine and restructure their realities. Shahkaram et al, 2020).…”

“…Nine studies did not report adherence to psychosocial group therapy (Bilgi et al, 2015;Daniel & Manigandan, 2005;Feeney et al, 2005;Humphreys et al, 2013;Langenmayr & Schöttes, 2000;Lincoln et al, 2011;Malekzadeh et al, 2020;Shahkaram et al, 2020;Tesar et al, 2003). Of those that did, the majority (n = 15) reported that 80%-89% of participants completed an entire group intervention (Berwald & Houtstra, 2002;Borghi et al, 2018;Calandri et al, 2017;Carletto et al, 2017;Cash et al, 2016;Graziano et al, 2014;Hart et al, 2005;Hughes et al, 2004Hughes et al, , 2006Mohr et al, 2001Mohr et al, , 2003Plow et al, 2009;Sinclair & Scroggie, 2005;Trend et al, 2002;Vail & Xenakis, 2007).…”