Development of a Motivational Intervention to Improve Treatment Adherence in MS

Development of a Motivational Intervention to Improve Treatment Adherence in MS

As many as 50% of MS patients prematurely discontinue their disease modifying medications. For this study, we will develop a telephone-based talk therapy intervention and then conduct a randomized controlled trial. Patients will be assigned to either 5 weekly 20 minute telephone sessions of psychotherapy or a brief education control condition. We hypothesize that patients undergoing phone therapy will be more likely to indicate they are interested in resuming taking disease modifying medications than patients given brief education and treatment as usual.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS based on established guidelines
• Previously discontinued recommended therapy
• Provider recommendation for DMT re-initiation
• At least 18 years of age
• Access to a telephone
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis other than relapsing remitting MS
• Provider does not recommend DMT re-initiation
• Pregnant or breastfeeding (females)