Effect of an acceptance and commitment group therapy in the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia. A preliminary study

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s233-s233
Author(s):  
L. Leon-quismondo ◽  
F. Lopez-rios ◽  
E. Rodriguez-pedraza ◽  
A. Fernandez-liria ◽  
G. Lahera
Keyword(s):  
Group Therapy ◽  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Mental Health Center ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Post Evaluation ◽  
Group Format ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionAcceptance and commitment therapy for the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia has been a big boost in last years, and there are preliminary studies about its efficacy. However, most studies have used individual interventions.ObjectivesEvaluate the effect of an acceptance and commitment group therapy in patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia.MethodsThe sample consisted of 24 patients, aged between 18 and 55 years old, who were referred to groups by psychologists and psychiatrists of Mental Health Center. The intervention in each group consisted of 12 treatment sessions of 1 h 30 m duration, weekly. One pretest and posttest evaluation was conducted. The variables studied were: severity of panic disorder (Panic Disorder Severity Scale [PDSS]), fear of physical sensations (Body Sensations Questionnaire [BSQ]), frequency of catastrophic thoughts (Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire [ACQ]) and level of experiential avoidance (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II [AAQ-II]).ResultsThe mean scores for all variables studied decreased in the post-evaluation. Means in post-evaluation were significantly lower (t Student, a = 0.10) in three of the four variables studied: severity of the condition (P = 0.001), frequency of catastrophic thoughts (P = 0.038) and level experiential avoidance (P = 0.073). In other words, patients had fewer panic attacks after treatment, and those who had were less intense, they had less catastrophic thoughts about consequences of anxiety, and they were better to accept their feelings and thoughts.ConclusionsAlthough it is necessary to continue the study with a larger sample, these preliminary results support the use of ACT in group format in the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Changes in quality of life following cognitive-behavioral group therapy for panic disorder

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rufer ◽  
R. Albrecht ◽  
O. Schmidt ◽  
J. Zaum ◽  
U. Schnyder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Group Therapy ◽  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Behavioral Group

AbstractBackgroundData about quality of life (QoL) are important to estimate the impact of diseases on functioning and well-being. The present study was designed to assess the association of different aspects of panic disorder (PD) with QoL and to examine the relationship between QoL and symptomatic outcome following brief cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT).MethodsThe sample consisted of 55 consecutively recruited outpatients suffering from PD who underwent CBGT. QoL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) at baseline, post-treatment and six months follow-up. SF-36 baseline scores were compared with normative data obtained from a large German population sample.ResultsAgoraphobia, disability, and worries about health were significantly associated with decreased QoL, whereas frequency, severity and duration of panic attacks were not. Treatment responders showed significantly better QoL than non-responders. PD symptom reduction following CBGT was associated with considerable improvement in emotional and physical aspects of QoL. However, the vitality subscale of the SF-36 remained largely unchanged over time.ConclusionsOur results are encouraging for cognitive-behavior therapists who treat patients suffering from PD in groups, since decrease of PD symptoms appears to be associated with considerable improvements in QoL. Nevertheless, additional interventions designed to target specific aspects of QoL, in particular vitality, may be useful to enhance patients’ well-being.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) predictive factors of return to work after depression

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S408-S408
Author(s):  
S. Darbeda ◽  
J.C. Seznec
Keyword(s):  
Sick Leave ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Predictive Factors ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Depressive Syndrome ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Multicentric Study ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Acceptance Therapy

IntroductionProlonged sick leaves are a major risk to quit the world of work and depression is the leading cause of disability in France. New therapies from the third wave of CBT as the Commitment and Acceptance Therapy (ACT) may be interesting to promote the return to work (RTW).ObjectivesTo assess predictive factors of return to work after depression.MethodsThis is a descriptive, prospective and multicentric study. The recruitment of investigating doctors was conducted by the publication of an advertisement in a French journal of occupational medicine. Each investigator recruited patients during reinstatement medical examination after a prolonged sick leave for depressive syndrome. Sociodemographic, occupational, medical and psychological factors (particularly in connection with the ACT) was assessed at baseline and 3 months later.ResultsThirty-one patients were initially included in the study, but 2 were lost to follow up at 3 months and 29 were analyzed. Twenty three patients RTW at 3 months. Those who RTW were less anxious (P = 0.023), less depressed (P = 0.021), had a better impression of improvement (P = 0.0066) and had a lower score of experiential avoidance (P = 0.0025).ConclusionsThe ACT, through its action on the reduction of experiential avoidance, and the definitions of new life values could allow a faster RTW after a sick leave for depressive syndrome.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Group therapy based on mindfulness in a mental health center

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S642-S642
Author(s):  
A. Uría de los Ojos ◽  
J. Ballesteros López ◽  
P. Rico García ◽  
A.B. González Palacios ◽  
C. Domínguez García
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Group Therapy ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Mental Health Center ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Meditation Practice ◽  
Final Session ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionMindfulness is defined as the ability of paying attention to the present moment with intentionality, moment to moment without making judgments of value.ObjectivesTo describe the effectiveness of group therapy performed in our mental health center according to the results in the SOFI scale of patients. This scale is designed to assess different qualities, which evolve through training in meditation practice based on mindfulness.MethodsGroup therapy consisted of 12 weekly sessions of an hour and a half. A total of 11 patients, 7 of which having completed therapy. The questionnaires were answered in the first and final session of therapy.ResultsThe questionnaire items were divided before and after treatment, into four categories with the following results: positive (friendly, happy, acceptance, compassion) to himself: 1.86 (0.54)/2.75 (0.78) and to others 3.57 (0.86)/3.89 (0.54); negative (hate, angry, cruel, bad) to himself: 2.92 (0.54)/2 (0.23); and to others: 2.28 (0.41)/1.96 (0.36)ConclusionsIn keeping with similar studies, the scale shows effectiveness of therapy in all sets of items, highlighting the variation of the aspects related to himself.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in the general Spanish population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Álvaro Menéndez-Aller ◽  
Marcelino Cuesta ◽  
Álvaro Postigo ◽  
Covadonga González-Nuevo ◽  
Jaime García-Fernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Classical Test Theory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Reliable Instrument ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire

AbstractAcceptance and Commitment Therapy states that Experiential Avoidance contributes to the development of psychological issues. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II measures Experiential Avoidance. The objective of the current study is to perform a validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in the general Spanish population. A sample of 964 participants from all over Spain was used (M = 43.43 years; SD = 15.27). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined according to Classical Test Theory. In addition, assessments were made of participants’ personality, Emotional Intelligence, Anxiety, and Depression, and the influence of sex and age on Experiential Avoidance was examined. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a unidimensional instrument, with excellent reliability (α = .93) and adequate evidence of validity. Differences were observed based on sex, with women scoring higher, and based on age, with lower scores in the older age groups. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a valid, reliable instrument for use in the general Spanish population.

scholarly journals Assessing psychological flexibility in test situations: The Test Anxiety Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
Cláudia P. Pires ◽  
David W. Putwain ◽  
Stefan G. Hofmann ◽  
Dinis S. Martins ◽  
Meagan B. MacKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Temporal Stability ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Therapy Assessment ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire

Abstract: Acceptance-based interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy motivated the development of measures of psychological flexibility. As an anxiety-based condition, test anxiety can be conceptualized as an experiential avoidance condition. Given the need to evaluate acceptance and action processes in test anxiety and the lack of such an instrument, the present study aimed to explore the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Test Anxiety–Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Adolescents (TA-AAQ-A), adapted from the Social Anxiety–Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. The sample comprised 827 adolescents (12-18 years old) from 10 Portuguese schools. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a well-adjusted 12-item single-factor measure, invariant across genders. Results also showed high internal consistency and temporal stability, and good convergent validity. Findings suggest the TA-AAQ-A is a reliable and valid measure for the assessment of adolescents’ psychological flexibility in test situations. Keywords: test anxiety; acceptance; psychological flexibility; acceptance and commitment therapy; assessment; adolescents.Evaluación de la flexibilidad psicológica en situaciones de examen: Cuestionario de Aceptación y Acción en la Ansiedad ante los Exámenes para Adolescentes.Resumen: Las intervenciones basadas en la aceptación, como la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso, llevaron al desarrollo de herramientas de evaluación de la flexibilidad psicológica. La ansiedad ante los exámenes, siendo una condición basada en la ansiedad, puede ser conceptualizada como una condición de evitación experiencial. Considerando la necesidad de evaluar los procesos de aceptación y acción en la ansiedad ante los exámenes y no habiendo ningún instrumento de ese tipo, este estudio pretendió explorar la estructura factorial y las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Aceptación y Acción en la Ansiedad ante dos Exámenes para Adolescentes (CAA-AE-A), adaptado del Cuestionario de Aceptación y Acción en la Ansiedad Social. Participaron 827 adolescentes (12-18 años) de 10 escuelas portuguesas. Un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio demostró un modelo bien ajustado, unifactorial, con 12 ítems, invariante entre géneros. Los resultados también mostraron elevada consistencia interna y estabilidad temporal, y buena validez convergente. Estos datos sugieren que el CAA-AE-A es un instrumento fiable y valido para evaluar la aceptación de la flexibilidad psicológica de los adolescentes en situaciones de examen.Palabras clave: ansiedad ante los exámenes; aceptación; flexibilidad psicológica; terapia de aceptación y compromiso; evaluación; adolescentes.

scholarly journals The effects of the acceptance and commitment therapy on the experiential avoidance and intolerance of uncertainty of mothers with hearing-impaired children

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Gharashi ◽  
Naeimeh Moheb ◽  
Reza Abdi
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Deaf Children ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Background and Aim: Children's hearing loss affects not only their speech and language dev­elopment but also their mothers’ mental health. This study aimed to determine the effect of acc­eptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the intolerance of uncertainty and experiential avoi­dance of mothers with hearing-impaired or deaf children. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with the pretest-posttest design with a control group. The study population comprised all mot­hers of hearing-impaired or deaf children (2−6 years old) in Tabriz City, Iran. Using a purpo­sive sampling method, 32 mothers of hearing-impaired or deaf children were selected and then randomly assigned to control and experimental groups (each group, 16 subjects). The experim­ental group was treated with ACT in 8 sessions of 1.5 hours long in two weeks. The study data were collected by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS). Results: The results showed that ACT signi­ficantly increased scores on the AAQ-II and IUS in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: ACT might be an efficient way to decrease intolerance of uncertainty and avoid­ance of experience in the mothers of hearing-impaired and deaf children. Also, therapists can use this approach for improving the intolerance of uncertainty and experiential avoidance in mothers of hearing-impaired or deaf children in rehabilitation centers.

scholarly journals ¿El Cuestionario de Aceptación y Acción II mide realmente la evitación experiencial?

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 42-53
Author(s):  
Pablo Valencia
Keyword(s):  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Strong Correlation ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Weak Correlation ◽  
Cognitive Fusion ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire

Experiential avoidance (EA) has played an important role in early and recent conceptualisations of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II; Bond et al., 2011) is largely used as a measure of EA, in spite of criticism about its validity. The present study examined the latent correlations between the AAQ-II and a new measure of EA: the Avoidance of Suffering Questionnaire (ASQ). In addition, correlations with the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ; Gillanders, 2014) were also examined. Two hundred and forty undergraduates (59% female, Mage = 20.33) completed the questionnaires. Both unrestricted and restricted factor analyses were performed in order to examine the hypothesised associations. The AAQ-II showed a strong correlation with the CFQ, but a rather weak correlation with the ASQ. These results suggest that the AAQ-II may not be a measure of EA.

scholarly journals Patient Experience and Satisfaction With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Delivered in a Complimentary Open Group Format for Adults With Eating Disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad A Mac Neil ◽  
Chloe C Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Group Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Open Group ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Therapy Program ◽  
Group Format ◽  
Outpatient Program ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

We examined patient experiences and satisfaction with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) delivered in a novel weekly open-group therapy format immediately following psychiatric intake assessment into a hospital-based outpatient adult eating disorders program. Participants were 68 adults with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition diagnosis of an eating disorder who reported their experiences and satisfaction with the ACT group. Participants reported that they were somewhat satisfied to very satisfied with the open ACT group and that the treatment content was helpful. Specifically, participants reported that ACT group helped them to recognize their personal values and learn strategies for behavior change. Satisfaction with ACT group was associated with engagement in the broader group therapy program. Results suggest that ACT delivered in an open group format is well liked by adults in an outpatient program for eating disorders. ACT is a promising complimentary treatment for individuals with eating disorders that can be easily integrated by clinicians into outpatient care.

scholarly journals Efecto de una intervención Act sobre la resistencia aeróbica y evitación experiencial en marchistas / Effect of an ACT Intervention on Aerobic Endurance and Experiential Avoidance in Walkers

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
María Clara Rodríguez-Salazar ◽  
Ángela Patricia Valero-Ballesteros
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Avoidance Behavior ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire ◽  
Parametric Statistics ◽  
Experimental Group

<p>Resumen:</p><p>El presente estudio tuvo como propósito identificar el efecto de la intervención en Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT) sobre la resistencia aeróbica y conducta de evitación experiencial en un grupo de marchistas de Bogotá. Se utilizó un diseño pretest-postest con grupo control. La muestra estuvo compuesta por diez marchistas de ambos sexos, con un promedio de edad de 16.70 y un rango entre los 15 y 20 años de edad, pertenecientes a la Liga de Atletismo de Bogotá. Se eligieron por conveniencia. Se emplearon como instrumentos de medición el test de los 3000 m y el Cuestionario de Aceptación Acción (AAQ). La intervención en ACT se realizó en cuatro sesiones en las que se desarrollaron los contenidos definidos por los autores de la intervención (Wilson y Luciano, 2002). Para el análisis de los datos, se empleó estadística no paramétrica a través de la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Los resultados señalan una mayor resistencia aeróbica en la prueba de los 3000 m en el postest del grupo experimental con respecto al grupo control, así como una mayor aceptación de los eventos internos negativos.</p><p> </p><p>Abstract:</p><p>The purpose of the present study was to identify the effect of an Acceptance and Commitment intervention Therapy (ACT) on aerobic endurance and experiential avoidance behavior of a group of walkers in Bogota. This study used a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The sample consisted of ten walkers of either sex, with an average age of 16.70 years, and a range between 15 and 20 years old, belonging to the Bogotá Athletics League. The participants were chosen as a convenience sample. The instruments used were the 3000-meter test and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ). The ACT intervention was conducted in four sessions, where they developed the contents defined by the authors of this intervention (Wilson and Luciano, 2002). Non-parametric statistics were used for data analysis, by means of the Mann-Whitney U. The posttest results indicate a greater aerobic resistance in the 3000-meter test for the test group in comparison to the control group. Likewise the experimental group shows a greater acceptance for negative internal events.</p>

Respiratory panic disorder in acute clonazepam treatment and long-term follow-up

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S326-S326
Author(s):  
A. Nardi ◽  
R.C. Freire ◽  
S. Machado ◽  
R. Amrein
Keyword(s):  
Panic Disorder ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Depressive Episodes

Objectiveto describe with prospective methodology the therapeutic response to clonazepam in the respiratory panic disorder (PD) subtype versus the non-respiratory subtype in a long-term follow-up.MethodsA total of 67 PD outpatients (DSM-IV) were previously divided into respiratory (n = 35) and non-respiratory (n = 32) subtypes and then openly treated with clonazepam for 8 weeks. Those who responded were then treated for 3 years. Demographic and clinical features were compared in the two groups. The instruments used to evaluate response were the Clinical Global Impression, the Sheehan Panic and Anticipatory Anxiety Scale, and the Panic Disorder Severity Scale.ResultsIn the first 8 weeks of treatment (acute phase), the respiratory subtype had a significantly faster response on all the major scales. During the follow-up and at the end of the study (week 156), there was no difference in the scale scores, and the reduction in panic attacks from baseline to end-point did not differ significantly between the two groups. After the acute phase treatment, the patients could undergo psychotherapy. In the respiratory subtype, the disorder had a later onset, was associated with a high familial history of anxiety disorder. The non-respiratory subtype had significantly more previous depressive episodes. Clonazepam had a safe adverse event profile during both phases of treatment.ConclusionThe respiratory PD subtype had a faster response to treatment with clonazepam at 8 weeks than did the non-respiratory subtype and an equivalent response after 6 months of treatment. The response of clonazepam is clearly maintained during the long-term follow-up.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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