NCT07507149

Evaluating the Feasibility and Effectiveness of an Online Psychological Intervention Targeting Problem-Solving and Coping Strategies in People With Multiple Sclerosis

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: American University of Beirut Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, often leading to unpredictable symptoms and significant emotional distress. Many people with MS experience anxiety, depression, and difficulties in coping with the challenges of the disease. Research has shown that effective coping-especially problem-focused coping-can reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life. However, access to psychological care can be limited, particularly in low-resource or mobility-restricted settings.This study, conducted at the Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an eight-week, online psychological intervention designed to enhance problem-solving and coping strategies in adults with MS living in Lebanon.The primary objective was to determine whether an online problem-solving coping strategies (PCS) intervention is feasible, acceptable, and well-tolerated for people with MS. The secondary objective was to assess the intervention's preliminary effects on problem-focused coping, depression, and anxiety.

Detailed description

Design and Methods:This was a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 30 adults diagnosed with MS for at least one year. Participants were randomly assigned in equal numbers (1:1 ratio) to one of two groups:1. PCS Intervention group: 15 participants received eight weekly, 60-minute individual online sessions with a licensed clinical psychologist using WhatsApp video calls.2. Treatment-as-Usual (TAU) group: 15 participants continued their regular neurological and nursing care without additional psychological intervention.All participants completed questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the 8-week study to measure coping strategies, anxiety, and depression using validated Arabic versions of the Brief-COPE Scale and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25). The PCS group also completed a self-developed Feasibility Questionnaire to assess the acceptability and practicality of the online sessions.Intervention Details:The PCS program was developed in Arabic by a multidisciplinary team including psychologists, nurses, and physicians. It was based on Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (1984) and Problem-Solving Therapy principles. Each session included psychoeducation about healthy versus maladaptive coping, guided problem-solving exercises, and real-life applications through weekly homework. The sessions emphasized identifying challenges, generating solutions, weighing pros and cons, and implementing action plans

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Anxiety
• Problem Solving
• Depression Anxiety Disorder
• Coping

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Problem-Solving Coping Strategies (PCS) Intervention	This intervention is unique in that it delivers a structured, psychologist-guided problem-solving and coping program entirely via WhatsApp video calls, a widely accessible and low-cost platform in Lebanon and the MENA region. Unlike most telehealth or cognitive-behavioral interventions that rely on specialized software, this program was developed in Arabic and culturally adapted for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) to address psychosocial stress, depression, and anxiety within local contexts. The content integrates Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping with Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) principles, emphasizing practical, real-life coping skills rather than symptom education alone. Delivered individually by a licensed clinical psychologist trained in MS-specific behavioral care, the program also includes weekly skill practice, personalized feedback, and a coping diary, making it a tailored, behaviorally focused, and patient-centered telepsychology model disti
OTHER	Treatment as usual (TAU)	Standard neurological and nursing care, including regular medical follow-up, medication management, and rehabilitation or physical therapy as clinically indicated. No structured psychotherapy provided.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-07-01
• Primary completion: 2023-12-30
• Completion: 2024-01-30
• First posted: 2026-04-02
• Last updated: 2026-04-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Lebanon