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

Background: Multiple sclerosis is considered a chronic disease in which the patients suffer from physical and mental disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the Lazarus Multimodal Approach and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in psychological distress, working memory, and anxiety among patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest design with a follow-up and control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of the patients who were members of the Multiple Sclerosis Patient Support Society in Tehran, Iran, and referred to this center during January and March 2017. The sample included 48 individuals that were selected using the convenience sampling method from the members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The data were collected through the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (k-10), Wechsler s Working Memory Index, and Beck s Anxiety Inventory. Following that, the obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) through the repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: According to the results, Lazarus Multimodal Approach and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy had a significant effect on decreasing anxiety (P 0.001) and psychological distress (P 0.001), as well as increasing working memory (P 0.001). Moreover, the Lazarus Multimodal Approach was more effective than Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in decreasing anxiety and psychological distress, as well as increasing working memory (P 0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that Lazarus Multimodal Approach and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy had beneficial effects on anxiety, psychological distress, and working memory. Moreover, they can be utilized to reduce psychological problems in patients with multiple sclerosis.