A qualitative study of cognitive behavioural therapy in multiple sclerosis: experiences of psychotherapists.

Purpose:To investigate how psychotherapists experience using individual, face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) aimed at alleviating depressive symptoms in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method:Semi-structured interviews with three psychotherapists were conducted after CBT with 12 participants with MS, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results:Two main themes emerged: Trusting their expertise as psychotherapists whilst lacking MS-specific knowledge, and The process of exploring the participants’ readiness for CBT with modifications of content and delivery. The psychotherapists perceived it difficult to know whether a symptom was attributable to depression or to MS, and for some participants the CBT needed to be adapted to a more concrete content. Conclusions:Psychotherapists may need more MS-specific knowledge and an insight into the individual’s functioning. The content of CBT in terms of concrete home assignments and behavioural activation needs to be individualised. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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