Self-Compassion for Multiple Sclerosis

Overseen By Robert Simpson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Robert Simpson

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Severe mental health

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new approach to improve emotional and mental well-being in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants will join an 8-week online Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course to determine its effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as enhancing emotion regulation and self-compassion. Researchers aim to assess whether participants find the course helpful and easy to follow. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with MS by a neurologist who are willing to participate in the course. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to explore innovative emotional and mental health support tailored for MS.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on a mindfulness course, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for people with multiple sclerosis?

Research shows that the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course is generally safe for participants. Studies have found that people often experience positive results, such as reduced anxiety and stress. For instance, one study discovered that after taking the course, participants felt less burned out and emotionally drained. Another study noted that adding MSC to regular care improved people's quality of life. These findings suggest that the course is well-received, with no serious side effects reported, making it a promising option for those seeking to enhance their emotional well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course for multiple sclerosis (MS) because it offers a fresh approach by focusing on emotional well-being and self-kindness. Unlike standard MS treatments, which often involve medications to manage physical symptoms and slow disease progression, MSC is a psychological intervention designed to improve mental health and stress management. This 8-week online course encourages participants to cultivate self-compassion, potentially enhancing their overall quality of life and resilience in ways that traditional therapies might not address. By targeting the emotional aspects of living with MS, MSC could complement existing treatments, offering a more holistic approach to managing this complex condition.

What evidence suggests that the Mindful Self-Compassion course might be an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis?

Research has shown that the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course can benefit people with multiple sclerosis. Studies have found that MSC training reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants report a better quality of life and improved mindfulness skills. Additionally, high levels of self-compassion and mindfulness correlate with better emotional health in people with multiple sclerosis. Overall, these findings suggest that the MSC course, which participants in this trial will receive, may help manage emotional challenges and improve life quality for those with multiple sclerosis. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Robert Simpson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Unity Health Toronto

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with multiple sclerosis interested in exploring how a self-compassion course might affect their well-being. Participants should be willing to engage in an 8-week online course and provide feedback on their experience.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing to take part in an MSC course

Able to understand spoken and written English

A neurologist has diagnosed me with MS.

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive impairment (<26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)

Severe active mental health impairment (psychosis, suicidality)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants take part in an 8-week online Mindful Self-Compassion course

8 weeks

Online sessions

Follow-up

Participants report changes in stress, anxiety, depression, self-compassion, adjustment, emotion, and quality of life at 3-month follow-up

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course

Trial Overview The study tests the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course's impact on stress, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, illness adjustment, and self-compassion in people with multiple sclerosis over eight weeks and at a three-month follow-up.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Self-compassion intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

8-week manualized online Mindful Self-Compassion course

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Robert Simpson

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3

Recruited

210+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8823481/

The experiences of patients with multiple sclerosis of self ... Results of the present study showed that new dimensions of self-compassion were found by exploring multiple sclerosis patients' experiences, which added to the ...

2. self-compassion.org self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MSC-Yeung-Alt-Ther-2021.pdf

A Pilot Study Objective • The current study intended to examine the outcomes of live, online, videoconference-based MSC training with online peer-support for nonclinical.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5605592/

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ... Significant improvements were found in depressive symptoms, quality of life, fatigue, mindfulness skills, and self-compassion. Of the cognitive ...

4. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00332747.2025.2472427?src=

The Associations of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion on ... These findings indicate that a high level of self-compassion and mindfulness has a positive impact on the quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.

5. maherpub.com maherpub.com/jndd/article/view/538

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Compassion-Based and ... Both mindfulness-based and compassion-based therapies are effective in reducing dysfunctional communication beliefs in women with MS, with mindfulness ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10083347/

Efficacy of the online Mindful Self-Compassion for ... The results showed significantly reduced burnout, anxiety, and stress scores. After the program, high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization rates decreased ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10173097/

Efficacy of Integrated Online Mindfulness and Self- ... This randomized clinical trial examines the efficacy of online mindfulness and self-compassion training in addition to usual care in improving the quality of ...

8. nationalmssociety-org.clinicaltrialconnect.com nationalmssociety-org.clinicaltrialconnect.com/trials/NCT06337903

Self-compassion for People With Multiple Sclerosis The goal of this clinical trial is to develop and investigate a compassion-based intervention (Mindful Self-Compassion course) in people with multiple sclerosis ...

9. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/249015/effects-of-the-mindful-self-compassion-msc-program/

Effects of the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Program This research uses a RCT design to analyse our main hypothesis. Our RCT design includes three conditions, i.e. MSC group compared to a well- ...