Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Women Diagnosed With Binge Eating Disorder: A Case-Series Study

AbstractThis study aimed to demonstrate proof of concept and acceptability of a brief acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based guided self-help intervention for improving quality of life (QoL) and mood for people with muscle disorders (MD). A case-series with an AB design was used to assess changes in primary (QoL) and secondary (depression and anxiety) outcome variables across the period of study. Change in the psychological process targeted by ACT – psychological flexibility – was also investigated, to allow insight into possible treatment mechanisms. Post-intervention, participants also completed a brief free-text evaluation. Relative to pre-intervention scores, four (of seven) participants showed varying degrees of improvement in all primary and secondary outcome variables and were thus considered responders. However, consistent concomitant improvements in psychological flexibility were not apparent. Participants reported a mostly positive experience of the intervention; all appeared to complete the intervention, and no adverse events were reported. Nonetheless, there was evidence that those with compromised concentration or who report good initial QoL and low levels of distress may derive less benefit. Although several methodological weaknesses limit the strength of our conclusions, this ACT-based guided self-help intervention shows encouraging utility for improving QoL and mood in MD.

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Treatment of Three Anxiety Disorder Cases With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a Private Practice

Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1891/0889-8391.25.3.203 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 203-217 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

R. Trent Codd ◽

Michael P. Twohig ◽

Jesse M. Crosby ◽

Angela Enno

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽

Private Practice ◽

Behavioral Therapy ◽

Treatment Protocol ◽

Case Series ◽

Regulatory Function ◽

Commitment Therapy ◽

Acceptance And Commitment

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for anxiety disorders is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on decreasing the behavior regulatory function of anxiety and related cognitions, and has a strong focus on behavior change that is consistent with client values. In this case series, 3 consecutive referrals seeking treatment for anxiety disorders at a private practice were treated with 9–13 sessions of ACT. In-session exposure therapy was not included to determine the effects of ACT without the compounding effects of already proven treatment procedures. The treatment procedure was identical across disorders to test the use of a unified treatment protocol for anxiety disorders: panic disorder with agoraphobia, comorbid social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. All participants showed clinical improvement in their specific anxiety disorders as rated on multiple standardized assessments after treatment, with gains maintained at follow-up (8 months or more). Time series assessments, taken throughout treatment, of anxiety and avoidance behaviors showed large decreases in avoidance but not in anxiety, suggesting ACT was effective by changing the way participants responded to anxiety rather than anxiety itself.

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