MS Canada to invest in New Research to Help People Living with MS Self-Manage their Mental Health

Toronto, ON (September 8) - MS Canada partnered with The National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the United States (NMSS) on a research funding opportunity titled: Identifying a Self-Management Solution to Support Depression Management for People Living with MS. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is episodic and can be unpredictable. It is a continuous disease process that progresses through different stages over time, and everyone experiences it differently. Depression is a common symptom of MS, and there is currently a lack of resources to help people living with MS manage symptoms of depression in their own environment and based on their personal needs.

Together, the NMSS and MS Canada issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for projects that can explore new ways to help people living with MS self-manage depression. The goal of the RFA was to support research that will identify and implement evidence-based tools or intervention that are accessible and sustainable for people living with MS. Following a rigorous scientific and community review process, three applications were approved for funding. 

MS Canada is funding Dr. Robert Simpson's research at the University of Toronto. His project is titled Online Tailored Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Support Self-Management of Depression for People with MS: A Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Study and has been awarded up to $300,000 CAD over a 2-year period. Dr. Simpson and team will conduct a randomized controlled trial to test whether an online course of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is effective in the self-management of depression and other MS symptoms including fatigue and pain. There is emerging evidence that MBCT can reduce symptoms of depression and improve emotional wellbeing in people living with MS, but there is a lack of research on ways to make this intervention accessible to allow for long term implementation and sustained benefits. This project is looking to identify strategies to solve this problem and improve quality of life for all Canadians living with MS. 

“MS Canada invests in the most promising research that will have a positive impact on the lives of people affected by MS,” said Benjamin Davis, Senior VP, Mission at MS Canada. “Dr. Simpson’s research will yield necessary support for the MS community to alleviate and manage depressive symptoms. This work will be pivotal in increasing accessibility to resources for Canadians living with MS who experience depression, which will in turn improve the well-being of the MS community.”

“People living with MS are at a higher risk of developing depression than other members of the population, which can negatively affect their day-to-day functioning” said Dr. Robert Simpson, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and Specialist Physician in the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network. “While effective treatments exist, these are not always easily accessible. Our project aims to address this accessibility gap. We hope to develop a program that can support as many Canadians who are living with MS and experiencing depression, all from the comfort of their own home and on their own time.”

Learn more about the research study. 

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About MS Canada

At MS Canada, we are inspired by the vision of a world free of multiple sclerosis. We focus on support, advocacy and research that will positively impact the lives of people living with, and affected by MS. For over 75 years, we have been a trusted connection for the MS community to valuable resources and programs needed on their unique MS journey. We advocate for policy change that removes barriers and improves the well-being of persons affected by MS in Canada. We invest in life-changing research that will advance treatment and care, enhance well-being, help to understand and halt disease progression, and ultimately prevent MS.

For more information visit mscanada.ca

About multiple sclerosis (MS)

Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. MS is a neurological disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49. MS is a continuous disease process that progresses through different stages over time, and everyone experiences it differently as severity, symptoms and response to treatment can vary from one person to the next. The unpredictable, episodic yet progressive nature of MS makes it particularly challenging to maintain an adequate quality of life.

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Laila Namur

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