Enhancing ENERGY in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

17 May Enhancing ENERGY in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often have problems with fatigue. For some people, fatigue is their most debilitating symptom of MS. Yet, many of the available treatments provide inadequate relief for fatigue. Past research has found that training in self-hypnosis is linked to reduced fatigue for many people with MS. Other research showed mindfulness meditation can reduce fatigue in the general population. This clinical trial will see if alternative treatments that involve self-hypnosis or mindfulness meditation can help decrease fatigue severity in people with MS. This could help increase treatment options for people with MS.

You may be eligible to participate if you have MS and chronic fatigue. If you are eligible, you will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) mindfulness meditation (MM), (2) self-hypnosis (HYP), or (3) treatment as usual. If you are randomized to MM or HYP, you will learn the skills through self-directed audio recordings for 4 weeks and then practice those skills for 6 months. If you are randomized to the “treatment as usual” group, you will continue with your current MS and fatigue care without treatment from the study. Those assigned to the “treatment as usual” group will be given an opportunity to receive the intervention later, though. Throughout the trial, you are given several short online surveys to assess fatigue, sleep, pain, and other symptoms.

All study procedures take place online or on the phone. There is no travel required. You can live anywhere in the United States.

Participants will be compensated up to $80 throughout the course of the study.

The lead investigator of this study is Mark Jensen, PhD. This study is funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).

If you are interested in learning more about the study or finding out if you qualify, please email us at ENERGYstudy@uw.edu or give us a call at (206) 598-0501.

Participant Eligibility

You may be eligible to participate if you meet all these criteria:

1) 18 years or older
2) Currently has multiple sclerosis
3) Presence of problematic fatigue for at least 50% of the days in the last 6 months
4) Able to read, speak, and understand English
5) Access to an internet-enabled device (desktop, laptop, tablet, or smart phone) you can use to listen to audio recordings and complete surveys

Contact

Anna Evans
(206) 598-0501