Efficacy of MBI for Depressive Symptoms in Patients With MS

"The MBI is based on MBSR protocol but in order to maximize the clinical utility in people with MS suffering from depressive symptoms, we will tailor mindfulness intervention on the needs of this specific population. We will apply a modified MBSR protocol integrated with techniques from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.~The MBI comprises an 8-week group program. Participants will took part in a 3 hour single weekly sessions, and there will be also an additional all-day session of 7 hours. Each session will cover specific exercises and topics within the context of mindfulness practice and training. Participants will be required to carry out daily 45-min homework assignments, which consist on mindfulness exercises and mindfulness applications in everyday life."

"The control group is designed to control for the nonspecific elements of the MBI treatment. It will be based on a psycho-educational framework and will include some relaxation techniques. In each session is discussed a MS-related topic. Relaxation and gentle stretching exercises will be proposed at the end of each session. Homework and the material (photocopies, slides, etc.) discussed in group sessions is left to each participant to encourage participants to practice exercises between sessions.~This intervention will follow the same structure and weekly format of the MBI intervention. The only difference will be the absence of an all-day session."