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

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.

Conditions

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

Interventions

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Michigan

  collaborator OTHER

• American University of Beirut Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-07-01

Primary Completion

2023-12-30

Completion

2024-01-30

Countries

• Lebanon

Study Locations