Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic medical condition that attracts particular attention
because of the high risks associated with it. MS patients suffer from medical problems, depression, anxiety,
and reduced hopefulness. These issues can increase the severity of the disease and treatment resistance
and reduce patients’ individual and social efficacy. Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy
(MICBT) is a new approach that is being applied in chronic diseases and can be used in combination with
existing treatments. Therefore, the present study investigated the efficacy of MICBT in terms of anxiety,
depression, and hope in MS patients.
Methods: A sample of 20 patients with MS was randomly selected at Shafa Hospital in Kerman City,
Iran. Patients were then assigned to one of two groups of 10 people using a random number table.
The experimental group received MICBT. The control group also received the same therapy after study
completion. The assessment tools used in this study included the Beck Depression Inventory-Second
Edition (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Miller Hope Scale (MHS). Measurements were
conducted at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. For data analysis, means and standard
deviations were calculated and one-way analysis of covariance was conducted using SPSS 24.
Results: Compared with controls, MICBT was effective for reducing depression (P < 0.001, F = 72.55),
anxiety (P < 0.001, F = 100.75). Additionally, MICBT was effective in improving hope (P < 0.001, F =
45.36). Changes were maintained in the follow-up phase.
Conclusion: The MICBT affects depression, anxiety and hope of MS patients. Therefore, mental health
professionals can benefit from the results obtained in the present study to reduce depression and anxiety
and increase hope in this group of patients.
Clinical trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT201601030258N4