A qualitative study of cognitive behavioural therapy in multiple sclerosis: experiences of psychotherapists

作者：Ytterberg Charlotte; Chruzander Charlotte; Backenroth Gunnel; Kierkegaard Marie; Ahlstrom Gerd; Gottberg Kristina

来源：International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 2017, 12(1): 1-9.

DOI：10.1080/17482631.2017.1325673

• Multiple sclerosis
• depression
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• psychotherapists
• content analysis

Purpose: To investigate how psychotherapists experience using individual, face-to-face cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) aimed at alleviating depressive symptoms in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Method: Semi-structured interviews with three psychotherapists were conducted after CBT with 12 participants with MS, and analysed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Two main themes emerged: Trusting their expertise as psychotherapists whilst lacking MS-specific knowledge, and The process of exploring the participants' readiness for CBT with modifications of content and delivery. The psychotherapists perceived it difficult to know whether a symptom was attributable to depression or to MS, and for some participants the CBT needed to be adapted to a more concrete content.
Conclusions: Psychotherapists may need more MS-specific knowledge and an insight into the individual's functioning. The content of CBT in terms of concrete home assignments and behavioural activation needs to be individualised.

• 出版日期2017-5-25