The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Anxiety, Depression and Burden of Caregivers of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Through Web Conferencing

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the common autoimmune diseases that affects the central nervous system. It is a chronic neurological disorder that leads to physical inability and cognitive abnormalities that restricts the individual's ability to function independently. The problems of MS patients significantly affect their psychological well-being, also their caregivers. Studies have shown that caregivers of these patients suffer from anxiety, depression and caregiving burden. Considering the problems of MS patients and their caregivers such as problems related to commuting, traffic and long distances to health centers, weather conditions, shortage of time and health costs, the need for remote psychological intervention is necessary. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) via a web conferencing application on reduction of anxiety, depression and burden of caregivers of patients with MS. Methods: This is a pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental study with control group. A total of 30 caregivers of female patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) who were members of the MS Society in Tehran and Qom cities in 2017, and had criteria for entering the research were selected through purposeful sampling method. They were randomly divided into test (n=15) and control groups (n=15). Beck anxiety inventory, Beck depression inventory, Caregiver burden inventory, and five-facet mindfulness questionnaire were completed online in three stages (before the intervention, after the intervention, and one-month follow-up after intervention) by two groups. The test group received eight 2-hour sessions of MBI via a web conferencing software while the control group received no intervention. For analyzing the collected data, repeated-measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was performed in SPSS V. 23. Results: There was a significant difference in the post-test scores of anxiety and caregiving burden between the two groups. MBI significantly reduced the anxiety, and caregiving burden in the test group. Although the mean score of depression in the post-test decreased in relation to pre-test, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: Internet-based MBI is effective in reducing anxiety, depression and burden of the caregivers of MS patients. Therefore, this method of therapy can be applied as an effective method to improve the quality of life and rehabilitate the caregivers of MS patients.

Tackling challenges in care of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, now and in the future

“…• trained HCP (eg, psychologists) may deliver/teach relaxation methods (eg, mindfulness meditation) via videoconferencing if needed 77 • HCP can lead in organizing guided online self-help caregiver support groups for updating infection control measures, while opening a platform for stress reduction programs • show appreciation for/give praise to/cheer up informal caregivers • caregivers and other family members may need to discuss a contingency plan in caring for the patients in case the caregivers become sick Abbreviation: HCP, health care providers; PPE, personal protective equipment. In the case of overwhelming numbers with infection exceeding the supply of critical care beds and ventilators, health-care systems will require triage protocols beyond the usual assessments for suitability for intubation and ventilation.…”

“…Concerns for and credits to caregivers provide regular screening for anxiety, stress, and depression of caregivers and prompt treatment when there is emerging/significant psychopathology encourage caregivers to have regular home‐based exercise, recreational activities, and other ways to relieve stress (eg, listening to music) trained HCP (eg, psychologists) may deliver/teach relaxation methods (eg, mindfulness meditation) via videoconferencing if needed 77 HCP can lead in organizing guided online self‐help caregiver support groups for updating infection control measures, while opening a platform for stress reduction programs show appreciation for/give praise to/cheer up informal caregivers caregivers and other family members may need to discuss a contingency plan in caring for the patients in case the caregivers become sick…”

Effect of Mindfulness Sessions on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Job Satisfaction of Nurses: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…In Iran, the effects of mindfulness intervention have been studied on quality of life and mental health of chemically injured veterans (21), post-traumatic stress disorder in victims of war (22), reduced anxiety, depression, and burden of a caregiver in patients with multiple sclerosis (23), emotional health and glycemic control of diabetic patients (24,25), quality of life in cardiovascular patients(26), drug-dependent male (27), psychological health of elderly women with chronic pain(28), and satisfaction with sexual identity in Iranian adolescents (29). The studies of the effects of mindfulness techniques on nurses include the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the cognitive failure and emotional process of anxious nurses (30), emotional maturity, and job stress (30).…”

Effect of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Pain and Depression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

“…Depression in people with chronic physical illnesses may exacerbate functional disability and lead to the increased use of healthcare services (Khazaeili, Zargham Hajebi, Mohamadkhani, & Mirzahoseini, 2019) and reduced quality of life (Rickards 2005). Despite the high prevalence of these disorders, depression remains under-diagnosed and inadequately treated (Marrie et al 2009;Sollom & Kneebon, 2007).…”

“…For example, stress leads to the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and of the sympathetic nervous system; in turn, it can, under the particular circumstance,s stimulate the immune system to release pro-inflammatory cytokines (Ziemssen, 2009). In other words, the complex interactions between brain pathology and environmental factors may determine psychological and psychiatric symptoms in MS patients (Khazaeili et al, 2019).…”