Comparison of the Effect of Lazarus Multimodal Approach and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Psychological Distress, Working Memory, and Anxiety in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is considered a chronic disease in which physical and mental disorders are common among these patients. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Lazarus multimodal therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on psychological distress, working memory, and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis. The research method was a quasi-experimental research with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up and a control group. The statistical population of the study was the patients who were members of the "MS Patient Support Society" in Tehran who had been referred to this center during January and March 2017. The sample consisted of 48 people selected by convenience sampling method from members of the MS community. The data were obtained through the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), the Wechsler's Working Memory Index, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The repeated measurement method and SPSS.22 software were used to analyze data. Findings showed that Lazarus Multimodal Approach and cognitive behavioral therapy had a significant effect on decreasing anxiety (p <0.001), psychological distress (p <0.001), and increasing working memory (p <0.001). The Lazarus Multimodal Approach was more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy in decreasing anxiety, psychological distress, and increasing working memory (p <0.001). It can be concluded that Lazarus' Multimodal Approach and cognitive behavioral therapy was effective on anxiety, psychological distress, and working memory and can be used to reduce psychological problems in patients with multiple sclerosis.