Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment of Depression in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Depression is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting up to 50% of patients at some point in their lifetime. Although the rate of depression in MS is higher than that in the general population and that in patients with other chronic medical conditions, depression in MS is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Antidepressant agents are used empirically in the management of MS-related depression, but evidence specifically demonstrating the efficacy of these medications in patients with MS is sparse. Considerable work suggests that psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be effective in the management of depression in MS. Recently there has been an expansion of computerized adaptations of CBT, allowing patients to complete therapy sessions remotely via online programs.This article reviews our current understanding of depression in MS and the role of CBT in its management, focusing on recent developments in computerized formats for CBT. Four computerized CBT programs that have been previously tested in patients with MS are described: Deprexis, MoodGYM, Beating the Blues, and MS Invigor8. We conclude that despite challenges inherent to computerized CBT interventions, such platforms have the potential to positively affect mental health care delivery to the MS patient population. Int J MS Care. 2019;21:113-123. Depression in MS OverviewNeuropsychiatric dysfunction, and particularly depression, is common in MS, with as many as 40% to 50% of patients with MS reporting depression at some point in their lifetime. 2 The prevalence of depression in patients with MS is three to four times higher than that in the general population and is also higher than that in patients with other chronic medical conditions. 3-6 Studies of the rates of depression in first-degree relatives of patients with MS have shown familial incidence that is identical to that in the general population, suggest- Downloaded fromWe frequently tweet about new IJMSC developments, and we don't want you to be left out. Readers and reviewers: Keep current with IJMSC announcements and the latest free online content. Authors: We're tweeting about your articles; don't miss the opportunity to help spread the word about your research. Find and follow us @IJMSCtweetsDownloaded from

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