The effectiveness of cognitive- behavior therapy on illness representations of multiple-sclerosis and improving their emotional states

authors:

avatar Farhad Hazhir 1 , * , avatar Hasan Ahadi 1 , avatar Abbas Pourshahbaz 2 , avatar Mansour Rezaei 3

Dept. of Health Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Dept. of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Dept. of Biostatistics, Social Development of Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah, University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences: Vol.15, issue 6; e78893
published online: March 19, 2012
article type: Research Article
received: May 23, 2011
accepted: September 06, 2011

how to cite: Hazhir F, Ahadi H, Pourshahbaz A, Rezaei M. The effectiveness of cognitive- behavior therapy on illness representations of multiple-sclerosis and improving their emotional states. J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci. 2012;15(6):e78893. 

Abstract

Background: Illness representations (based on Leventhal's model) are associated with chronic illness outcomes. It has been suggested that targeting these cognitive components improves illness outcomes. Multiple sclerosis is a common disorder between neural and immune systems that creates physical and psychological consequences. There are few pre psychological trails on these patients. The aim of this study was to determine effectiveness of cognitive-behavior therapy on altering illness representations and improving emotional states of the patients.
Methods: By using a randomized controlled trial design, among 52 selected patients, 35 volunteers randomly were allocated into intervention and control groups. An extensive interventional cognitive behavior therapy based package was conducted to intervention group in 10 weekly sessions. The control group stayed in waiting list and participated in 5 group meeting sessions. (IPQR) and (DASS-42) psychological scales were administered, Leven and T statistical tests were applied for dat analysis.
Results: The results showed positive changes in four illness representation components of patients including illness (identity, consequences, coherence) and personal control. Associated improvement occurred in depression, anxiety, stress and emotional representations.
Conclusion: Mooney and Padeskey's theoretically based cognitive-behavior therapy, is effective on illness representations modification and improving emotional states of the patients. The findings are less similar to Goodman's trial on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients and more similar to Petrie's trail on cardiac patients.

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