Online Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Support Self-Management of Depression for People with MS

Start Term
End Term
Funding Amount
$274,920
Affiliation(s)
University of Toronto
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Ontario
Research Priorities
Life-modifying therapies
Impact Goal(s)
Advance Treatment and Care
Enhance Well-being

Researcher(s):  Dr. Robert Simpson 

Summary:  

  • People with MS experience increased depression compared to the general population, which leads to decreased quality of life, increased stigma, and worse fatigue.
  • Dr. Robert Simpson and team will conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an online intervention, called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT, in reducing depression, fatigue, sleep, pain and anxiety of people with MS. The team will also develop a toolkit of audiovisual MBCT materials to encourage continued engagement of participants beyond study completion as well as enhance access to the intervention for people with MS across Canada.
  • This research has the potential to identify effective strategies for managing depression in people with MS and improve overall quality of life.

 

Project Description:  

Depression affects up to 30% of people living with MS and is associated with decreased quality of life, increased stigma, and worse fatigue. There is emerging evidence that an online intervention called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT, can reduce symptoms of depression and improve the emotional wellbeing of people living with MS. Currently, research is lacking on how to make this intervention widely available and accessible for people with MS to allow for long-term implementation and sustained benefits. 

Dr. Robert Simpson aims to evaluate and implement a tailored MBCT programme for people living with MS who have major depressive disorder. Dr. Simpson and team will conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of MBCT in reducing depression, fatigue, sleep, pain and anxiety of people with MS. The programme will be delivered over 8 weeks through Zoom by trained MBCT instructors and include core meditation practices, psychoeducation on depression, reflective group discussion, and home-based practices. A toolkit of evidence-based audiovisual MBCT materials will also be developed specifically for people with MS to encourage continued engagement of participants beyond study completion, as well as enhance access to the intervention for people with MS across Canada. 

Potential Impact: This study will address the current lack of available tools that allow for self-management of depression among people living with MS. If proven to be effective, online MBCT has high potential for scaled implementation and availability across Canada.

Project Status: In Progress