Table 1 Study characteristics
Study | Population | Intervention | Comparator(s) | Outcomes (Primary, Secondary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Larcombe (1984) [48] | BDI ≥ 20; Self-reported depression ≥ 3 months; Met Feighner criteria for ‘definite’ or ‘probable’ depression; No psychological co-morbidities; Low suicide risk; Normal memory function; No concurrent or prior treatment with major tranquilisers or lithium. Diagnosis of MS confirmed by a neurologist | Six weekly 90 minute group cognitive behavioural therapy sessions | Waiting list for delayed treatment | BDI; HRSD; Mood Ratings (3 item questionnaire, 10 point scale); Depression as rated by significant other (6 item questionnaire, 4 point scale) |
Mohr (2001) [25] | BDI ≥ 16; HRSD ≥ 16; Clinical diagnosis of MDD assessed using SCID; No psychological or neurological co-morbidities, suicidal tendencies or CNS disorders; Willingness to abstain from any other treatment for depression than that provided in the study. Confirmed diagnosis of MS (Poser criteria) | Sixteen weekly 50 minute individually administered cognitive behavioural therapy sessions | Supportive-expressive group therapy; Sertraline | BDI; BDI-18; HRSD; MDD assessed using SCID |
Mohr (2005) [47] | BDI-II ≥ 16; HRSD ≥ 14; GNDS ≥ 3 on one or more areas of functioning; No co-morbid dementia, psychosis, substance abuse or suicidal tendencies; Not currently undergoing psychotherapy; No medication other than antidepressants. Diagnosis of MS confirmed by a neurologist | Sixteen weekly 50 minute telephone administered cognitive behavioural therapy sessions | Telephone administered supportive emotion-focused therapy | BDI-II; HRSD; MDD assessed using SCID; Positive affect measured using PANAS-PA |
Mohr (2000) [45] | POMS-DS ≥ 15; If in treatment for depression must have been in that treatment for ≥ 3 months; No co-morbid dementia or neurological disorders. Confirmed diagnosis of MS (Poser criteria) | Eight weekly 50 minute telephone administered cognitive behavioural therapy sessions | Standard care | POMS-DS; Post-treatment adherence to IFNβ-1a |
Forman (2010) [43] | Diagnosis of MS > 3 months; HADS ≥ 8 or GHQ-12 ≥ 3 | Six fortnightly 120 minute group therapy sessions based on cognitive-behavioural and psycho-educational framework | Standard care | HADS; GHQ-12; MSIS; MSSE; SF-36 |
Lincoln (2011) [44] | Diagnosis of MS > 12 months; HADS ≥ 8 or GHQ-12 ≥ 3. Diagnosis of MS confirmed by a neurologist | Six fortnightly 120 minute group therapy sessions based on cognitive-behavioural and psycho-educational framework | Standard care | BDI-II; HADS; GHQ-12; MSIS; MSSE; EQ-5D |
Cooper (2011) [30] | BDI-II ≥ 14 but < 29; EDSS < 8.5; MMSE < 24; No psychological co-morbidities; Low suicide risk; No treatment from psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist within last 3 months. Confirmed diagnosis of MS (McDonald criteria) | Eight 50 minute computerised cognitive behavioural therapy sessions | Standard care | BDI-II; MSIS; SF-36; PHQ-9; GAD-7 |