The development of Guided cognItive-behavioural selF-management Treatment for multiple sclerosis pain (GIFT)

Abstract

Background: Pain is a common, disabling symptom in MS. This series of studies aimed to develop and preliminary evaluate a psychological intervention to support pain management for people with MS. Methods: 1) The development of a model of MS pain based on a systematic review of the literature (n=31) on psychological factors associated with MS pain 2) A cross sectional study (n=612) investigating whether cognitive, behavioural and emotional factors drawn from this model, explain significant amounts of variance in pain severity and interference after controlling for measures of disease severity and pain subtype. 3) A single-case series of eight paMS undergoing an 8 week self-management CBT programme developed from the previous studies. Findings: The MS pain model psychosocial factors explained 24% and 30% of the variance in pain severity and interference after controlling for disease variables. Results were similar across pain subtypes. The case series suggested CBT may be effective in improving pain outcomes in MS. Discussion: Current MS pain management is medication focused. Integrating guided self-management into this routine care may improve pain outcomes in MS.