ABSTRACT

Background: The experience of executive dysfunctions is common among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Metacognitive model of detached mindfulness (MDM) as an adjuvant treatment on executive functions in multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods: In this study, 27 patients with multiple sclerosis were recruited to the experimental group and 26 in the control group. The participants in the experimental group were trained based on the intervention program during eight weeks. The intervention encompassing the metacognitive model of detached mindfulness was conducted in group sessions once a week. However, the patients in the control group received the common treatment as usual. At the baseline and at the end of the intervention, patients completed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) of executive functions, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA).

Results: At the end of treatment, the scores showed significant reduction in WCST (perseveration errors, and a number of errors), and HRSA in the experimental group compared to than in the control group.

Conclusions: The results prove the initial evidence that adjuvant MDM can improve executive functions and anxiety among the multiple sclerosis patients.

Keywords: metacognition, detached mindfulness; executive function; multiple sclerosis; randomized controlled study.