Acceptance and commitment therapy as a web-based intervention
                        for depressive symptoms: Randomised controlled trial

BackgroundDepression is a highly prevalent disorder, causing a large burden of disease and substantial economic costs. Web-based self-help interventions seem promising in promoting mental health.AimsTo compare the efficacy of a guided web-based intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with an active control (expressive writing) and a waiting-list control condition (Netherlands Trial Register NTR1296).MethodAdults with depressive symptoms from the general population were randomised to ACT (n = 82), expressive writing (n = 67) or waiting-list control (n = 87). The main outcome was reduction in depressive symptoms assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression scale.ResultsSignificant reductions in depressive symptoms were found following the ACT intervention, compared with the control group (Cohen's d = 0.56) and the expressive writing intervention (d = 0.36). The effects were sustained at 6-month and 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsAcceptance and commitment therapy as a web-based public mental health intervention for adults with depressive symptoms can be effective and applicable.

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The BrainACT study: acceptance and commitment therapy for depressive and anxiety symptoms following acquired brain injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-019-3952-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Johanne Rauwenhoff ◽

Frenk Peeters ◽

Yvonne Bol ◽

Caroline Van Heugten

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Well Being ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Commitment Therapy ◽

Acceptance And Commitment ◽

Number Of Patients

Abstract Background Following an acquired brain injury, individuals frequently experience anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. However, current treatments for these symptoms are not very effective. A promising treatment is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which is a third-wave behavioural therapy. The primary goal of this therapy is not to reduce symptoms, but to improve psychological flexibility and general well-being, which may be accompanied by a reduction in symptom severity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an adapted ACT intervention (BrainACT) in people with acquired brain injury who experience anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Methods The study is a multicenter, randomized, controlled, two-arm parallel trial. In total, 94 patients who survive a stroke or traumatic brain injury will be randomized into an ACT or control (i.e. psycho-education and relaxation) intervention. The primary outcome measures are the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Outcomes will be assessed by trained assessors, blinded to treatment condition, pre-treatment, during treatment, post-treatment, and at 7 and 12 months. Discussion This study will contribute to the existing knowledge on how to treat psychological distress following acquired brain injury. If effective, BrainACT could be implemented in clinical practice and potentially help a large number of patients with acquired brain injury. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register, NL691, NTR 7111. Registered on 26 March 2018. https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6916.

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A Four-Session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Based Intervention for Depressive Symptoms Delivered by Masters Degree Level Psychology Students: A Preliminary Study

Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1017/s1352465813000969 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 43 (3) ◽

pp. 360-373 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Aino Kohtala ◽

Raimo Lappalainen ◽

Laura Savonen ◽

Elina Timo ◽

Asko Tolvanen

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychology Students ◽

Waiting List ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Average Decrease ◽

Commitment Therapy ◽

Acceptance And Commitment

Background:Depressive symptoms are one of the main reasons for seeking psychological help. Shorter interventions using briefly trained therapists could offer a solution to the ever-rising need for early and easily applicable psychological treatments.Aims:The current study examines the effectiveness of a four-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based treatment for self-reported depressive symptoms administered by Masters level psychology students.Method:This paper reports the effectiveness of a brief intervention compared to a waiting list control (WLC) group. Participants were randomized into two groups: ACT (n= 28) and waiting list (n= 29). Long-term effects were examined using a 6-month follow-up.Results:The treatment group's level of depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory) decreased by an average of 47%, compared to an average decrease of 4% in the WLC group. Changes in psychological well-being in the ACT group were better throughout, and treatment outcomes were maintained after 6 months. The posttreatment “between-group” and follow-up “with-in group” effect sizes (Cohen'sd) were large to medium for depressive symptoms and psychological flexibility.Conclusions:The results support the brief ACT-based intervention for sub-clinical depressive symptoms when treatment was conducted by briefly trained psychology students. It also contributes to the growing body of evidence on brief ACT-based treatments and inexperienced therapists.

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