Patients who meet the MS disability and depression criteria will be randomly assigned to either a 16 week coping skills training program or to 16 weeks of non-directive, supportive therapy sessions. This study is scheduled to begin October, 2000. The study coordinator is Dr. David Mohr, Ph. D. . The objective of theis study is to develop a behavioral intervention to help MS patients overcome injection anxiety and injection phobia. All three of the most widely used disease modifying medications for the treatment of MS require self-injection.
Many patients have trouble self-injecting and require help from a relative, friend or clinic nurse.
Patients who do not self-inject are more likely to discontinue. Patients will receive a workbook, audiotapes and meet individually with a psychologist six times.