Resiliency Training for Patients With Neurofibromatosis Via Videoconferencing With Skype

Resiliency Training for Patients With Neurofibromatosis Via Videoconferencing With Skype

This study tests the efficacy of an 8-week, Skype-based, group resiliency training intervention (The Relaxation Response Resiliency Program) for improving psychological stress in patients with Neurofibromatosis. A control group will receive a general health education curriculum. The investigators hypothesize that patients will improve on measures of psychological stress as a result of the resiliency program.

A substudy (Unique Protocol ID: 2013P002605b) has been approved to test this study on a sub-population: patients with NF2 who are hard of hearing.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or older
2. Can read and speak English at or above the 6th grade level
3. Diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, or schwannomatosis

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe active or untreated major mental illness that would interfere with study participation, to be determined at the discretion of the study investigator (e.g. untreated psychosis or suicidality)
2. Recent (within past 3 months) change in antidepressant medication
3. Use of formal relaxation training (including past participation in a mind-body program), currently or in the past 6 months.
4. Unable or unwilling to sign the informed consent documents
5. Unable or unwilling to complete psychological assessments online via the REDCap system.
6. Unable or unwilling to participate in an intervention delivered via videoconferencing with Skype.