Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for severely fatigued multiple sclerosis patients: A waiting list controlled study
Alexandra E.W. Hoogerwerf, Yvonne Bol, Jill Lobbestael, Raymond Hupperts, Caroline M. van Heugten
Medical Psychology, Zuyderland Medical Centre, 6130 MB Sittard/Geleen, The Netherlands. E-mail: s.hoogerwerf@zuyderland.nl
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2237
Lay Abstract
Although fatigue is the most common symptom of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), treatment options are limited. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy is a relatively new, but promising cognitive behavioral therapy. It is an attention training with the purpose to become aware of all incoming thoughts and feelings and accept them without judgment. We studied the feasibility and the possible effectiveness of an eight week mindfulness group training in 55 severely fatigued MS patients. We found that the training was feasible for most of the patients and that up to three months after the training, there was a reduction of the fatigue. Patients also experienced less depression, anxiety, and cognitive complaints. Furthermore, patients had less negative thoughts about fatigue and they coped less emotional with their problems. Even though future studies are necessary, mindfulness training seems to be a valuable treatment in MS.
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