scholarly journals A pilot case series of a brief acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based guided self-help intervention for improving quality of life and mood in muscle disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D. Graham ◽  
Trudie Chalder ◽  
Michael R. Rose ◽  
Dimitri Gavriloff ◽  
Lance M. McCracken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Muscle Disorders ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

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.

scholarly journals P120 Development and analysis of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-informed group and 1-1 psychological interventions for a rheumatology population

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Maher-Edwards ◽  
Alexandra Quigley ◽  
David Gillanders ◽  
Nora Ng
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
One To One

Abstract Background Psychiatric comorbidities are common in patients living with rheumatological conditions and are associated with poorer health outcomes and treatment response. The evidence-base for psychological intervention in this population is scarce. Acceptance- and mindfulness-based cognitive therapies are of increasing popularity. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychological therapy with a robust evidence-base for mood disorders and long-term health conditions, in particular in chronic pain populations. ACT aims to help clients to develop skills to identify and let go of unhelpful patterns of symptom control and avoidance so that they can move towards important life areas (values) and goals. Research has consistently shown that higher levels of acceptance (a component of psychological flexibility) in chronic illness is associated with better quality of life and emotional well-being. No studies have looked at the effects of ACT-based interventions in rheumatology. This study aimed to: Develop and pilot I) a 6-week group and II) a brief (up to 6 sessions) one to one intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in a rheumatology population. Outcomes were evaluated using patient satisfaction data, qualitative feedback and quantitative outcomes using a range of questionnaires measuring mood, quality of life and psychological flexibility. Methods Patients attending a rheumatology psychology service received either group OR brief one to one intervention delivered by a qualified psychologist. Group consisted of 6 sessions; each session was 3 hours (18 hours total). The brief one to one intervention consisted of up to 6 one-hour face to face sessions (max 6 hours total). A range of outcome measures were administered pre- and post-treatment. Paired t-tests were conducted, and the Jacobson and Truax method used to calculate Reliable Change Index and Clinically Significant Change criteria. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohens’ d. For comparison published data in chronic pain populations were used. Results Patients responded well to ACT-based interventions: with improvements in mood, psychological flexibility and quality of life. All effect sizes were large and compared favourably to published trials in chronic pain populations. Group participants showed significant improvements in depression and psychological flexibility pre- to post- treatment. On the other hand, participants who received the brief one to one intervention showed significant improvements on all measures. Overall those who had group therapy showed smaller improvements in outcome measures, rated themselves as less improved and were less satisfied with their therapy than those that received up to 6 sessions of individualised therapy. Conclusion A brief one to one intervention of up to 6 sessions of ACT-based psychological therapy conferred good benefit for a rheumatology population and outperformed group therapy. More studies are needed to understand whether this effect is generalisable and longer-term outcomes. Disclosures L. Maher-Edwards None. A. Quigley None. D. Gillanders None. N. Ng None.

A self-help based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy programme using Internet delivery: effect on adults intending to work who have utilized their sick leave due to depressive symptoms

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 462
Author(s):  
Maki Tei-Tominaga
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
The Self ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Internet Delivery

Rationale: The aim of this study was to develop a self-help based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) programme using Internet delivery, which can be practised at the workplace or at home and to examine its effect on adults intending to work who have utilized their sick leave due to depressive symptoms. Method: A one-group, baseline-to-post-intervention design was utilized with participants in Japan. Among the participants (N = 35), 26 completed the self-help based programme and answered all questionnaire surveys on 3 occasions: baseline (T1), after 3 weeks (T2) and after 6 weeks when the programme ended (T3). As the primary outcome, depressive symptoms were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. As the secondary outcome, psychological flexibility was assessed using the Japanese version of the revised Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. Additionally, 3 items to assess process were administered and participants’ written comments were organized by content.Results: Although the number of participants who showed mild and moderate depressed states decreased, depressive symptom scores did not significantly change over time. Psychological flexibility at T3 significantly improved compared to baseline, while the effect size was relatively low (Cohen’s d = 0.35). One of the scores from the process measures showed a significant difference between T2 and T3. There were 5 positive and 5 negative comments. Conclusions: Along with participants’ comments, the findings suggested the effectiveness of the self-help based ACT programme using Internet delivery. This has the potential to help develop mindfulness and acceptance skills in adults who are intending to return to work after taking sick leave for depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Muscle Disease (ACTMus): protocol for a two-arm randomised controlled trial of a brief guided self-help ACT programme for improving quality of life in people with muscle diseases

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e022083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R Rose ◽  
Sam Norton ◽  
Chiara Vari ◽  
Victoria Edwards ◽  
Lance McCracken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Muscle Disease ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionIn adults, muscle disease (MD) is often a chronic long-term condition with no definitive cure. It causes wasting and weakness of the muscles resulting in a progressive decline in mobility, alongside other symptoms, and is typically associated with reduced quality of life (QoL). Previous research suggests that a psychological intervention, and in particular Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), may help improve QoL in MD. ACT is a newer type of cognitive behavioural treatment that aims to improve QoL by virtue of improvement in a process called psychological flexibility. The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the efficacy of a guided self-help ACT programme for improving QoL in people with MD. Main secondary outcomes are mood, symptom impact, work and social adjustment and function at 9-week follow-up.Methods and analysisAcceptance and Commitment Therapy for Muscle Disease is an assessor-blind, multicentre, two-armed, parallel-group RCT to assess the efficacy of ACT plus standard medical care (SMC) compared with SMC alone. Individuals with a diagnosis of one of four specific MDs, with a duration of at least 6 months and with mild to moderate anxiety or depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score ≥8) will be recruited from UK-based MD clinics and MD patient support organisations. Participants will be randomised to either ACT plus SMC or SMC alone by an independent randomisation service. Participants will be followed up at 3, 6 and 9 weeks. Analysis will be intention to treat, conducted by the trial statistician who will be blinded to treatment allocation.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received full ethical approval. Study results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and journal articles. Data obtained from the trial will enable clinicians and health service providers to make informed decisions regarding the efficacy of ACT for improving QoL for patients with MD.Trial registration numberNCT02810028.Protocol versionV.11 (4 April 2017).

scholarly journals Investigating the effectiveness of an online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention versus a waiting list control condition on pain interference and quality of life in adults with chronic pain and multimorbidity: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e012671
Author(s):  
Brian W Slattery ◽  
Laura L O’Connor ◽  
Stephanie Haugh ◽  
Katie Barrett ◽  
Kady Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

IntroductionMultimorbidity refers to the presence of two or more chronic health conditions within one person, where no one condition is primary. Research suggests that multimorbidity is highly correlated with chronic pain, which is pain lasting longer than 3 months. Psychotherapeutic interventions for people living with chronic illness have resulted in reduced symptom reporting and improved psychological well-being. There is a dearth of research, however, using online psychotherapy for people living with multimorbidity where chronic pain is a central condition. This study will compare the effectiveness of an online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention with a waiting list control condition in terms of improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reducing levels of pain interference in people with chronic pain and at least one other condition.Methods and analysis192 adult participants with non-malignant pain that persists for at least 3 months and at least one other medically diagnosed condition will be randomised to one of two study conditions. The experimental group will undergo an eight-session internet-delivered ACT programme over an 8-week period. A waiting list group will be offered the ACT intervention after the 3-month follow-up period. HRQoL and pain interference will act as the primary outcomes. Data will be analysed using a linear mixed model and adjusted to account for demographic and clinical variables as necessary. A Study Within a Trial will be incorporated to examine the effect on recruitment and retention of showing participants an animated educational video.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Committee of the National University of Ireland, Galway. Dissemination of results will be via peer reviewed journal articles and conference presentations.Trial registration numberISRCTN22343024.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on psychological well-being, quality of life and depression in patients with epilepsy

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghodsieh Ebrahimpour ◽  
Bahram Mirzaeian ◽  
Ramazan Hasanzade
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy

Introdution: Epilepsy is known as a cerebrovascular disorder with a continuing readiness for epileptic seizures and psychological neuropsychological outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on psychological well-being, quality of life and depression in patients with epilepsy. Methods: The study was a quasi- experimental with a pre-test, post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of 76 patients, of whom 20 were selected by available sampling method and they were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received the acceptance and commitment group therapy in eight sessions each of which in two hours. Before and after the intervention, the Multidimensional Reef psychological well-being questionnaire, Quality of life questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory was administrated in both groups.  Data were analyzed using covariance test and SPSS20 software. Results: The findings of this study showed that acceptance and commitment based treatment had a significant effect on psychological well-being, quality of life and depression in the level of error less than p <0.0001. And the result of P-value was reported as 42.602, 17. 927, 53.528, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study show that acceptance and commitment therapy is significantly effective in the patients with epilepsy using techniques such as attention to the present time, acceptance and cognitive impairment in increasing psychological well-being and quality of life and reducing depression. Considering the effect of admission therapy and commitment in using this method at all levels of prevention and treatment of the patients with physical and mental illness seems necessary.

scholarly journals Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Improve Outcomes in Functional Movement Disorders: A Case Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 401-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D. Graham ◽  
Simon R. Stuart ◽  
Daniel J. O’Hara ◽  
Steven Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Social Adjustment ◽  
Movement Disorders ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Functional Movement ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Functional Movement Disorders

Although there are many theories of functional movement disorders (FMD), the causes and prognosis remain unclear, and there are no treatments with high-quality empirical support. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an acceptance-based behavior therapy which, via altering a process called psychological flexibility, aims to support behaviors that are consistent with a person’s overarching values—even in difficult, uncertain, or immutable contexts. It may, therefore, have pragmatic benefits in the context of FMD. We outline the theoretical basis for ACT and detail a case study of a brief (six session) intervention for increasing personally meaningful activity with FMD. The participant was in her early 20s and had been diagnosed with functional propriospinal myoclonus. ACT techniques including relational framing, defusion, and mindfulness exercises were used to increase psychological flexibility, with the goal of enabling effective functioning within the difficult context created by FMD. Following treatment, the participant showed a reliable change/clinical recovery in psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II [AAQ-II]), FMD symptom interference (Work and Social Adjustment Scale [WSAS]; primary outcome), and mood (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 10-item scale [CORE-10]; secondary outcome). This case study demonstrates an approach that focuses first on improving functioning with FMD, as opposed to eliminating or controlling symptoms.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A NonConcurrent Multiple Baselines Design

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Ieke Winkens ◽  
Caroline van Heugten ◽  
Ieke Winkens ◽  
Iris de Marez Oyens ◽  
Nicole Geschwind ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cognitive Defusion ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment

Objective: People with multiple sclerosis often suffer from distress, reduced societal participation and low quality of life. Evidence-based psychological treatment options for multiple sclerosis are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on participation and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. Methods: We performed a non-concurrent multiple baselines design study. Six female patients with multiple sclerosis participated. Randomization was implemented by assigning participants randomly to a baseline (waiting) period of three, six or nine weeks. We measured quality of life, and participation on a daily basis, and acceptance and cognitive defusion on a weekly basis. Statistical analyses were performed using randomization tests. Results: After Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, five participants showed statistically significant increases in quality of life and three participants showed statistically significant improvements in participation. Acceptance increased in two patients, and cognitive defusion improved in one patient. Conclusion: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy seems promising for improving the quality of life and participation in people with multiple sclerosis. Mechanisms underlying improvement are not clear yet. Further large-scale controlled studies with more representative samples and a longer follow-up period are justified.

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