Telephone therapy helps with multiple sclerosis

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that telephone therapy can really improve depression among patients who have multiple sclerosis.
Many patients who have depression would rather have psychotherapy instead of antidepressants. Yet not all of those offered therapy take up the option. For these people, telephone therapy can sometimes be a more practical option.

Researchers at the University of California now report upon a study of telephone therapy for depression in patients with multiple sclerosis. A group of 127 patients had one of two kinds of telephone therapies. All of the patients spoke with a psychologist on the phone for 50 minutes a week and were followed up for 12 months.

Over 16 weeks, improvements were best for those having cognitive behavioral therapy on the phone, compared to the supportive emotion-focused therapy. At 12 months, however, there was little difference between the two groups, with all patients experiencing some improvements in depression.

Source
Archives of General Psychiatry September 2005 Volume 62 pages 1007-1014