NUI Galway has launched an online mindfulness programme to help people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis cope with their symptoms.
The free MinfulnessforMS programme has been created by psychologists from NUIG’s Centre for Pain Research for people living with primary or secondary MS.
Through eight free, online sessions MinfulnessforMS will instruct participants in conducting mindfulness exercises and encourage helpful coping responses.
Dr. Christopher Dwyer, coordinator of the programme, says that mindfulness could have a large impact on helping people with MS cope with their condition.
“MS affects each individual differently, however, understanding how MS impacts people both physically and psychologically, and how they use the supports available to them plays a role in coping strategies for overcoming symptoms.
“In recent years, mindfulness has emerged as a popular strategy for psychological wellbeing and research has shown that mindfulness-based psychological interventions can be used to help ease MS-related symptoms, including fatigue and anxiety.”
The Centre for Pain Research is currently recruiting people with primary or secondary MS to help them evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a serious disease that attacks the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Symptoms of MS include fatigue, numbness, and muscle spasms, chronic pain, and cognitive impairment.
Their severity can range from mild sensory impairment to severe disability.
Up to 9,000 people in Ireland are living with MS, and it affects more than two million people around the world.
The cause of this disease has yet to be identified, and there is no cure. That’s why it’s so important for research and support services to find ways to help people live with their condition.
Online intervention like this has grown in popularity because the majority of people have access to the internet.
It also allows those who could have difficulties with mobility, patients with severe Multiple Sclerosis, to practice mindfulness in the comfort of their home.
People who take part in the MindfulnessforMS trial will not need to attend any clinic or
NUI Galway at any stage.
Materials are tailored for those wishing to learn effective ways of managing their MS.
For further information, visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/centre-for-pain-research/
To take part in the programme go to www.painresearch@nuigalway.ie.
