My MS Toolkit: An Internet-Based Depression Self-Management Program for Adults Living With Multiple Sclerosis

My MS Toolkit: An Internet-Based Depression Self-Management Program for Adults Living With Multiple Sclerosis

We are conducting this study to test if the new Toolkit depression module is accessible and helpful for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in decreasing depression severity.

First, we will modify My MS Toolkit to make it more helpful and relevant to adults with MS and depressive symptoms. We plan to add:

1. a depression-specific step with robust content about depressive symptoms, disorders, and treatments specific to MS
2. a depression quiz to help participants understand their depression symptoms and what Toolkit skills will be most helpful to them based on the quiz
3. more resources specific to depression self-management and care, including resources within the MS community
4. information on how to get mental health treatment if needed.

Second, we will evaluate the ease, convenience, and effectiveness of the improved My MS Toolkit. We will compare how well the Toolkit reduces people's feelings of depression compared to those who don't have access to the Toolkit. We will use website data to assess participant engagement and treatment ease, and explore factors like age, initial feelings of depression, and other symptoms that may impact outcomes. Understanding these factors will help determine who benefits most from My MS Toolkit and who might need different depression treatments.

Participants will either have access or no access to the Toolkit for 4 months and complete 3 online surveys over that time period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported diagnosis of MS (with screening questions such as current disease modifying therapy)
• At least 18 years of age
• Can read, write, and speak in English
• Score of >4 on the Patient Health Questionnaire, indicating at least mild depressive symptoms
• Have access to an internet-connected device for accessing the intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
• Started medication for depression or anxiety in the past 2 months
• Currently undergoing psychotherapy for depression
• Are of moderate or high risk for suicide on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• Participating in another clinical trial