Pythagorean Self-Awareness Serves Successfully as a New Cognitive Behavioral-Based Technique in Multiple Sclerosis Physical and Psychosocial Well-Being and Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Τhe majority of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients manifest cognitive impairment, stress, anxiety and depression. These factors affect the disease course and relapse as well as the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of the Pythagorean self-awareness intervention on MS patients. Methods: This was a parallel randomized controlled trial in MS patients (N = 55) who were randomized to intervention (IG) and control group (CG). The IG (N = 23) underwent, additional to standardized care, PSAI which consisted of 8 weekly sessions of dietary and physical exercise counselling, cognitive training and stress management. Self-reported questionnaires were used for stress, depression, anxiety, healthy lifestyle, ways of coping, fatigue, memory. Data were collected by pre- and post-intervention. Results: Participants were mostly women, married, of tertiary education and with a mean disease duration of ten years. Statistical analyses revealed a significant amelioration of healthy lifestyle, stress, anxiety, depression, memory, an increase in positive approach and social support seeking, as well as, a decrease in physical, mental and cognitive fatigue. Conclusions: Participation in PSAI was strongly associated with enhancement of self-management abilities. We aspire that PSAI can be introduced in healthcare settings as a multifaceted, meta-cognitive process of stress management and self-empowerment.