Emotion-Focused Psychodynamic Intervention in Women with RRMS
In a randomized pilot study with 30 women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), participants received either an eight-session emotion-focused psychodynamic intervention or treatment as usual. Findings indicated significant reductions in fatigue and pain, and improvements in health-related quality of life, with most benefits retained after one month. Attendance was high at 7.3 sessions on average, and no adverse events were reported.
- Most relevant to
- Neurologist, Psychologist
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary evidence that an emotion-focused psychodynamic intervention may improve key symptoms such as fatigue and pain in women with RRMS, suggesting a potential avenue for further research.
What this does not prove
The study's findings are preliminary due to its pilot nature, lack of blinding, and unknown peer review status. Results do not demonstrate causation or ensure efficacy in wider populations. A fully powered randomized controlled trial is needed for more definitive conclusions.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- 30 · allocated to either intervention or TAU
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- RRMS
- Publication date
- 2026-09-22
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
Supporting passages (17)
sample size30
sample size basisMETHODS: In this randomized pilot trial, 30 women with RRMS were allocated to either an eight-session individual emotion-focused psychodynamic intervention (n = 15) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 15).
relevant ms typesRRMS
publication date2026-09-22
interventioneight-session individual emotion-focused psychodynamic intervention
comparatorMETHODS: In this randomized pilot trial, 30 women with RRMS were allocated to either an eight-session individual emotion-focused psychodynamic intervention (n = 15) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 15).
primary endpointfatigue, pain, and health-related quality of life
follow upone-month follow-up
findingsRESULTS: Recruitment and retention supported the feasibility of the intervention, with 93% of participants completing the post-treatment assessment and 90% completing the one-month follow-up.
findingsParticipants receiving the intervention demonstrated substantial reductions in fatigue and pain and improvements in HRQoL, with these changes largely maintained at one-month follow-up.
findingsMean attendance was 7.3 of 8 sessions
findingsMean attendance was 7.3 of 8 sessions, and no intervention-related adverse events occurred.
findingsExploratory analyses showed significant Group × Time interactions for fatigue, pain, and HRQoL (all p < .001), with large effect sizes (partial η² = .59-.73).
findingsExploratory analyses showed significant Group × Time interactions for fatigue, pain, and HRQoL (all p < .001), with large effect sizes (partial η² = .59-.73).
findingsParticipants receiving the intervention demonstrated substantial reductions in fatigue and pain and improvements in HRQoL, with these changes largely maintained at one-month follow-up.
findingsParticipants receiving the intervention demonstrated substantial reductions in fatigue and pain and improvements in HRQoL, with these changes largely maintained at one-month follow-up.
limitationsThe observed improvements in fatigue, pain, and HRQoL provide preliminary estimates of potential clinical benefit and support further evaluation in a fully powered randomized controlled trial.
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