Enhancing Self-Esteem in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomised Controlled Trial of the Lexical Association Technique

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, GRENOBLE · Jul 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a new approach called the Lexical Association Technique (LAT) can help improve well-being and self-esteem in people who have been recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects the nervous system. The researchers want to see if this technique can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and generally improve quality of life better than a simple placebo (a comparison method without active treatment).

To take part, you need to be a French-speaking adult with either relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS, diagnosed within the last 1 to 5 years, and currently taking certain oral MS medications. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups—one using the LAT and the other doing a similar but inactive exercise. Both groups will complete short guided visualization exercises at home on a computer and answer questionnaires about their mood, stress, and how they’re adjusting to their illness. The study lasts several weeks, with assessments before starting, right after finishing, and two weeks later to see if any changes last. This trial is not yet open for participants but offers a promising way to support mental health alongside MS treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • INCLUSION CRITERIA
• • Native French speaker
• • Access to a computer and internet connection at home
• • Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the revised criteria of Thompson et al. (2018), either relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive form, between 1 and 5 years since disease onset (RRMS or SPMS entry phase)
• • Currently receiving first- or second-line oral treatment (e.g., Teriflunomide, Dimethylfumarate, Fingolimod, Cladribine)
• • Adult participants (age ≥ 18)
• • NON-INCLUSION CRITERIA
• • Participant currently excluded from another study
• • Individuals covered by Articles L1121-5 to L1121-8 of the French Public Health Code (CSP), i.e., legally protected persons: pregnant women, women in labor, breastfeeding mothers, individuals deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision, individuals under psychiatric care under Articles L.3212-1 and L.3213-1 not falling under Article L.1121-8, individuals admitted to healthcare or social institutions for reasons other than research, minors, individuals under legal protection or unable to provide informed consent
• • Staff members with a hierarchical link to the principal investigator
• • SECONDARY EXCLUSION CRITERIA
• • Participants not presenting with low self-esteem, i.e., score \>26 on the Self-Esteem Scale (EES; Vallières \& Vallerand, 1990)
• • Major life event significantly affecting well-being in the two weeks prior to study inclusion (e.g., bereavement, separation, childbirth, etc.)
• • Initiation of psychological, psychiatric, or pharmacological treatment (anxiolytics, antidepressants) within one month prior to study start