Emotion Regulation Skills Training for Individuals With MS and Their Support Partners

Reducing Depression and Anxiety in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Their Support Partners: An Emotion Regulation Skills Training Intervention

This pilot randomized controlled trial investigates a novel, group-based emotion regulation skills training intervention for reducing anxious and depressive symptomatology and improving emotion regulation and problem solving in individuals with MS and the individual's support partners. Participants will be randomized (1:1) to the intervention ("Partnered Emotion Regulation Skills Intervention and Supportive Teaching [PERSIST]") or to the active control (Facilitated Peer Support).

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 18 years old
• able to speak/read in English
• able to commit to attending at least 9 of the 12 weekly group sessions
• individuals with MS must be relapse/exacerbation-free for at least 1 month
• support partners must score at least 8 on the HADS-D or HADS-A
• individuals with MS must score a least 11 on the HADS-D or HADS-A

Exclusion Criteria:

• under 18 years old
• unable to speak/read in English
• unable to commit to attending at least 9 of the 12 weekly group sessions
• MS relapse within 1 month