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Research studies

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Get the latest news, events and research on multiple sclerosis from the Overcoming MS newsletter

Research is vital in helping us better understand and improve the lives of people living with MS. By taking part in research, our community plays an essential role in shaping future treatments, services and support.

On this page, we share opportunities for you to get involved in research studies that aim to make a meaningful difference for people affected by MS. We are committed to only promoting research that puts people with MS at its heart. Every study featured here has gone through our internal review process to ensure it has appropriate ethical approval, is led by a reputable organisation, and aligns with our values and commitment to the MS community.

While we are proud to support and promote these opportunities, we are not directly involved in running the studies themselves. Each project is managed by its own research team, so if you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the researchers directly using the details provided within each listing.

If you are a researcher and would like to promote your study on this page, please email [email protected]

Exploring an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Self-help Programme for Individuals Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Researchers at the University of Exeter are conducting a study to assess whether an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) informed self-help programme can positively influence psychological wellbeing and certain MS-related symptoms (e.g. depressive symptoms, fatigue), as well as how the intervention might influence self-perception. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that uses various tools, techniques, and strategies to help people focus on the present moment and allow them to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgement. Through this, ACT helps people to move through difficult emotions and thoughts and to focus on purposeful and meaningful things and actions, rather than dwelling on the negatives.

This study aims to run a 6-week guided self-help programme based on ACT principles to target adjustment and self-concept. The programme is designed for participants to dedicate 60-90 minutes per week to each of the 6 modules. The programme will encourage the development of strategies to help manage some of the symptoms that come with an MS diagnosis and support individuals in using them in everyday life.

You may be eligible to take part in this study if:

  • You are over 18 years old.
  • You have a diagnosis of any type of MS.
  • You are English speaking.
  • You can provide informed consent.
  • You have access to an electronic device and online platforms.
  • You are not currently receiving psychological interventions (or in the past 3 months)

If you are interested in taking part, please email Rebecca Ledden, who is one of the researchers leading this study: [email protected]

Initial Presentation of MS and Pathways to Diagnosis

The time before receiving a diagnosis can be a challenging and uncertain period for many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research has shown that some people have many healthcare appointments before their diagnosis, and this period can be an uncertain and sometimes stressful time. Despite this, we know very little about people’s experiences before diagnosis. We don’t yet know how symptoms were first noticed and understood, how they were described and communicated to healthcare professionals, and what barriers people may have encountered before seeing a specialist. This study aims to explore these early experiences.

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

  • Live in the UK
  • Are aged 18 or over
  • Have been diagnosed with MS in the last 12 months

What would taking part involve?

Taking part will involve completing a short (5-minute) questionnaire asking some facts about you (e.g., your age, gender, ethnicity, etc), and a one-time interview (online, over the telephone or in-person) with the researcher (Hiba Adan).

Expenses and payments

A £25 voucher will be offered for each hour of your time spent taking part in the interview. Travel expenses will be reimbursed if you travel to participate in a face-to-face interview. If you require someone to accompany you for support, their travel expenses will be reimbursed too.

For more information and to register your interest in the study, follow this link.

Or you can contact the lead researcher Hiba Adan directly at [email protected]

The National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Be Part of Research service helps people in the UK find and take part in health and care research studies.
 
Research opportunities can sometimes feel hard to find or understand. Be Part of Research makes it easier to explore studies that may be relevant to you, learn what taking part involves, and decide whether it feels right for you. By joining a study, you can help shape the future of MS treatment, care and support. The service also supports researchers by helping them recruit participants to studies, helping to speed up progress in MS research and beyond.
 
Please note that Be Part of Research is only available to people living in the UK. If you live outside the UK and know of a similar service in your country, we’d love to hear from you so we can consider adding it to this page.
 
Click ‘Find studies now’ in the image below to sign up and explore MS research studies.

 

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