Therapeutic use of the Arts for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) face a wide variety of physical, emotional, and social challenges. A multidisciplinary comprehensive care approach is recommended for the management of MS and its consequences, and non-traditional treatments are increasingly considered by patients and health care providers, particularly for the promotion of wellness in the context of this chronic disease. Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of the therapeutic arts (art therapy, dance and movement therapy, and music therapy) in addressing some of the physiological, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs of patients facing a variety of chronic illnesses. Our review of the literature suggests that therapeutic art can be beneficial to individuals with MS, particularly in promoting self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and motor control. However, the body of evidence is limited, and further research is needed regarding the outcomes and mechanism of action of therapeutic arts in MS to better understand their role in the management of the consequences of the disease. KeywordsMusic therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, multiple sclerosis Disclosure: Lisa Gallagher and Francois Bethoux have nothing to disclose in relation to this article. No funding was received in the publication of this article. Compliance with Ethics:This article involves a review of the literature and did not involve any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.Authorship: All named authors meet the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) criteria for authorship of this manuscript, take responsibility for the integrity of the work as a whole, and have given final approval to the version to be published.Open Access: This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License, which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, adaptation, and reproduction provided the original author(s) and source are given appropriate credit. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder which causes demyelination and axonal damage in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to various neurological impairments and worsening disability over time in a majority of affected individuals. MS is presumed to be an autoimmune disease, although its cause remains unknown.1 The direct and indirect consequences of MS often negatively impact activities, participation, and quality of life; and may lead to a loss of functional independence. In addition, comorbidities such as depression are frequently associated with MS.2 The comprehensive management of MS includes disease-modifying therapies, symptom management, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes to optimize wellness.3 Patient empowerment and promotion of self-efficacy are important strategies in the management of MS. Individuals with MS have been encouraged to utilize coping strategies that are problem-focused and provide a sense of control. 4 It has been found that interacting with others and engaging in leisure activities can impr...