Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Improving Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients: A Review Study (PP-04)

In recent years, the quality of life (QoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has gained significant importance in research and clinical practice. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of the analysis of psychological interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of MS patients. A literature search was conducted in six electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, followed by a search in five reputable internal databases: Civilica, Jahad Daneshgahi, Irandoc, Noor Journals Database, and the Comprehensive Humanities Portal. The document type was limited to articles written in English and Persian published between 2019 and 2023. Data from the selected articles were extracted using a coding sheet and then qualitatively synthesized. The search identified 18,701 records. After removing duplicates and screening, 40 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis and were assessed for study quality. This review analyzed a wide range of psychological intervention approaches for quality of life, such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, self-management, logotherapy, compassion-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Several non-pharmacological interventions included in this review positively improved the overall quality of life in individuals with MS. These interventions included exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These interventions should be further prescribed during routine medical care.