The Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on Psychological Distress in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis can lead to significant emotional and physiological challenges, especially during the initial phase following diagnosis. Emotional Freedom Technique, a self-administered intervention combining cognitive and somatic elements, may offer a complementary approach to conventional care. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 36 participants diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis within the last three months. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number: NCT04969562). Participants were allocated using block randomization to either an intervention group (n=18), which received six sessions of Emotional Freedom Technique in addition to routine care, or a control group (n=18), which received routine care only. Blinding was maintained during the sampling, allocation, data collection, and data analysis stages. Cognitive function was assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and psychological distress was measured using the Subjective Units of Distress Scale, with assessments conducted at baseline and after the intervention. Within-group differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and between-group differences were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Effect sizes (r) were calculated for the outcome variables. Results: No substantial differences were observed between the groups regarding depression, anxiety, or overall psychological distress following the intervention. However, participants in the intervention group demonstrated modest improvements in cognitive function (r=0.54), indicating a moderate-to-large effect size. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Emotional Freedom Technique may have positive effects on cognitive functioning and certain physiological indicators, even if its impact on emotional distress is limited in the short term.