Background & Aims: There are various methods for treatment of depression. This study was aimed to examine and compare the efficacy of two therapeutic techniques namely group cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy on decreasing depression level of multiple sclerosis patients. 

 Materials & Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental design from pretest - posttest with control group. Population included patients with multiple sclerosis referring to the Shiraz Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) Association in spring 2013. A total of 30 patients from participants who had high scores on the Beck Depression test were selected by sampling method and were placed equally and randomly into three groups of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and control groups. The measurement tool was Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The experimental groups participated in 8 sessions of educational group. The mean scores of the two groups were compared through analysis of covariance. 

 Results: The results of the study showed the significant differences between the mean scores of the pre-test and post-test of the experimental groups and control group i.e. cognitive behavior group therapy and dialectical behavior group therapy had reduced the depression mean score in the experimental groups. 

 Conclusion: Since behavioral therapy with significant difference than dialectical behavior therapy could reduce depressive symptoms in patients therefore, it can be placed as a new approach in prioritizing treatment and reducing depression in M.S. patients.

  SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2014: 25(4): 337 ISSN: 1027-3727