Baseline predictors of DMT reinitiation among patients with multiple sclerosis following an MI–CBT intervention

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often nonadherent to their disease modifying therapy (DMT). While recent studies demonstrate enhanced DMT adherence following intervention grounded in motivational interviewing (MI), little is known about how to address DMT reinitiation among MS patients who have prematurely discontinued DMT against medical advice and do not intend to reinitiate. We examined baseline predictors of DMT reinitiation among patients with MS who discontinued medications against medical advice following a telephone-based MI and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MI–CBT) intervention. Following MI–CBT intervention, 66 patients reported whether or not they opted to reinitiate DMT. Rate of disease progression (β = 0.295) and perceived personal control (β = − 0.131) emerged as unique significant predictors of DMT reinitiation following intervention. Clinical characteristics and health-related beliefs may be used to prospectively identify patients most likely to reinitiate DMT following MI–CBT intervention, furthering the goal of preserving brain health and preventing neurologic decline in MS via appropriate DMT utilization. Further study is warranted to delineate potential mediators and moderators of DMT reinitiation outcomes.