Online therapy program for depression in people with multiple sclerosis
Tests an 8-week online therapy program for depression in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: An Online Tailored Cognitive Therapy-Based Intervention for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: ACTION-MS Online
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- MS Barlo Centre, St Michael's HospitalToronto, CanadaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Melbourne
- Trial code
- NCT07875309
- Record updated
- 15 October 2026
- Original description
Individuals with MS experience significantly high levels of depression which are higher than in any other chronic illness or neurological disorder. Depression can occur at any point in the course of the disease. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in treating depression in people with MS. However, many individuals with MS who would benefit from CBT for depression do not participate in face-to-face treatment due to lack of clinician referral, accessibility, modality preference, cost, and mobility and travel issues due to health reasons.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Tailored Cognitive Therapy Based Intervention For Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: ACTION-MS Online
Individuals with MS experience significantly high levels of depression which are higher than in any other chronic illness or neurological disorder. Depression can occur at any point in the course of the disease. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in treating depression in people with MS. However, many individuals with MS who would benefit from CBT for depression do not participate in face-to-face treatment due to lack of clinician referral, accessibility, modality preference, cost, and mobility and travel issues due to health reasons.
Given the acceptability and preference for telehealth treatment options, digital-based psychological interventions can be another appealing treatment option as these programs have the ability to deliver interactive CBT treatments for depression to individuals with MS at a time and location convenient to the individual.
The current trial proposes to test the acceptability, effectiveness, satisfaction and cost-effectiveness of an 8-week online depression intervention targeting individuals with multiple sclerosis and compare this intervention with an 8-week online health and wellbeing in MS informational intervention.
Inclusion: Aged 18 years or older; Clinical diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS); Reports mild to moderate depressive symptoms, defined as a score of 14-28 on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).
Exclusion: Gross cognitive impairment that would make participation in the eight online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) modules distressing or difficult; Acute organic brain syndrome (e.g., delirium); A serious psychological disorder, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, or current substance use disorder, as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); Inability to speak or read English; Severe depressive symptoms, defined as a BDI-II score of 29 or greater, as assessed using the BDI-II and SCID-5 Currently undertaking psychological treatment for depression and/or anxiety.