Effectuality of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on the Life Expectancy of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background and purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the diseases of nervous system that is accompanied with destruction of neuron ways corded sheath. The weakening nature of this disease affects all aspects of patient's life and decreases their life expectancy. This consequence plays a considerable role in accelerating acute diseases such as MS. This study was done to assess the effectuality of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the life expectancy of patients suffering from MS. Materials and methods: this semi-experimental study included thirty MS patients attending Bou Ali Sina Hospital in Sari who were randomly divided into two groups. (control group=15 and intervention group= 15). The experimental group received CBT for three months during 12 sessions. The control group was placed in treatment waiting list. The data was collected using Hallajian Life Expectancy Questionnaire (2010). Results: The results showed that the mean scores for life expectancy increased significantly in the experimental group in post-treatment and follow up stages (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to his study interventions such as CBT could be of great benefit in in increasing life expectancy among patients with chronic diseases.