ABSTRACT
Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that can trigger disabling signs and symptoms. Art Therapy uses various artistic resources as a means to recover and improve wellbeing and mental, emotional and social health. During the period of social distance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, online art therapy presents itself as a viable technique for people with MS. Objectives: Analyze the possibilities of online art therapy for people with MS. Methods: Nine women with relapsing-remitting MS (n=5/56%) and secondary-progressive MS (n=4/44%), aged from 28 to 63 years (Mean=45;SD=13.65) and EDSS between 0 and 7. All were invited to participate in online art therapy workshops and randomly constituted three groups with three people each. They carried out individual anamnesis and were supplied with materials such as sheets of A4 bond paper, scissors, white glue, gouache or acrylic paint, brushes, felt-tip pens/crayons or colored brushes, notebooks and magazines to cut out. The workshops lasted one hour each and were held by WhatsApp once a week. Results: Reports of anxiety, sadness and need were identified and correlated to the lack of communication and interaction resulting from the social isolation experienced by COVID-19. Thus, Art Therapy promoted therapeutic interaction between participants and art therapists through free artistic expression. Conclusions: Online Art Therapy was effective for this group of women with MS, as it provided improved well-being and quality of life in a period of social distancing triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The small number of participants was important for the directed attention and maintenance of focus during the activities.