Guided Imagery Improves Mood, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Efficacy Trial of Healing Light Guided Imagery

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a disabling and progressive neurological disease that has significant negative effects on health-related quality of life. This exploratory efficacy study examined the effects of Healing Light Guided Imagery (HLGI), a novel variant of guided imagery, compared with a wait-list control in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Changes in the Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life instrument (physical and mental components) were compared between groups. Patients who completed HLGI (N = 9) showed significant reductions in depressed mood ( P < .05) and fatigue ( P < .01) and showed significant gains in physical ( P = .01) and mental ( P < .01) quality of life compared with journaling (N = 8). Our results suggest that HLGI can improve self-reported physical and mental well-being in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of this therapy, as well as its mind-body mechanisms of action.

Keywords: depression; fatigue; guided imagery; multiple sclerosis; quality of life.

Figure 1.

CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) diagram.

Figure 2.

Change in scores of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from before to after Healing Light Guided Imagery (HLGI) or positive journaling for outcome measures fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), depressed mood (Beck Depression Inventory II), and MS physical and mental quality of life (MS-QOL-54 domain scores). HLGI was associated with reductions in depression (P < .05) and fatigue (P < .01), and increases in physical (P = .01) and mental (P < .01) quality of life. Error bars display standard error of the mean.