FC01
An Exploratory Study of the Benefit of an Emotionally Focused Therapy Program on the Relationship Quality of Couples Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has profound consequences and may be an overwhelming event for young adults. The psychosocial consequences complicated by cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depressed mood impacts adjustment to the diagnosis. Ineffective coping behaviors create distressing interpersonal relationship patterns in couples and intensify fatigue which is a significant factor in relationship distress. When relationship distress is not mediated, women with chronic illnesses are at higher risk for divorce, poorer health outcomes, and morbidity. Published data suggests that couples diagnosed with chronic illnesses participating in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) report improved relationship satisfaction and health outcomes. This study adds to current literature by exploring the effect of an EFT-based group couples program on quality of life measures.
Objectives:
This pilot study examined fatigue, anxiety, depression, and relationship satisfaction in couples diagnosed with MS using self-reported assessments before and after an EFT-based group program. Tolerability was assessed as the percentage of subjects completing a modified 5 hour program for the MS population.
Methods:
Data was collected from 9 couples (n=18). Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a validated 14-item survey of mood. Fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), a 5-item survey of physical tiredness and lack of energy. Relationship satisfaction was evaluated using the Revised-Dyadic Assessment Scale (R-DAS), a 14-item survey of marital functioning. Assessments were completed prior to and repeated at 4 weeks after the program .
Results:
All subjects completed the program and 100% of assessments were completed. Elevated anxiety (6.4) and depressed mood (4.8) caregiver scores were noted at baseline when compared to patient anxiety (6.2) and depressed mood (3.9). Mean caregiver fatigue (8.4) was comparable to the mean patient score (8.8). At week 4 reductions in mean caregiver anxiety (3.6), depressed mood (3.1) and fatigue (4.7) were noted.
Caregivers had higher levels of marital distress on RDAS (≤48) at 56% compared to 23% of patients at baseline. Improvement in RDAS scores (>5 points, range 7-12) is noted in this group at Week 4. Overall, caregiver RDAS scores improved from a mean of 47.0 (range 42-58) to 54.8 (range 47-62).
Conclusions:
While the study is limited by the small sample size, as an exploratory study the findings suggest that couples living with MS are able to participate in a group EFT-based program after diagnosis. EFT-based programs may enhance emotional well-being, disease management, and overall health outcomes. Further evaluation through randomized controlled studies will add to evidence-based comprehensive MS care strategies to improve quality of life and health outcomes.