scholarly journals Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Daily Life Training: A Feasibility Study of an mHealth Intervention

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. e103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Batink ◽  
Jindra Bakker ◽  
Thomas Vaessen ◽  
Zuzana Kasanova ◽  
Dina Collip ◽  
...  
Trials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Reininghaus ◽  
Annelie Klippel ◽  
Henrietta Steinhart ◽  
Thomas Vaessen ◽  
Martine van Nierop ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Psychotic experiences, social functioning and general psychopathology are important targets for early intervention in individuals with Ultra-High-Risk state (UHR) and a first-episode psychosis (FEP). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a promising, next-generation Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that aims to modify these targets, but evidence on sustainable change and its underlying mechanisms in individuals’ daily lives remains limited. The aim of the INTERACT study is to investigate the efficacy of a novel ecological momentary intervention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Daily Life (ACT-DL) in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of individuals with UHR or FEP. Methods/design In a multi-centre randomised controlled trial, individuals aged 16–65 years with UHR or FEP will be randomly allocated to ACT-DL in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) as the experimental condition or a control condition of TAU only, which will include – for the entire study period – access to routine mental health care and, where applicable, CBT for psychosis (CBTp). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (i.e. before randomisation), post-intervention (i.e. after the 8-week intervention period), and 6-month and 12-month follow-ups (i.e. 6 and 12 months after completing the intervention period) by blinded assessors. The primary outcome will be distress associated with psychotic experiences, while secondary outcomes will include (momentary) psychotic experiences, social functioning and psychopathology. Process measures to assess putative mechanisms of change will include psychological flexibility, stress sensitivity and reward experiences. In addition, acceptability, treatment adherence and treatment fidelity of ACT-DL will be assessed. Discussion The current study is the first to test the efficacy of ACT-DL in individuals with UHR and FEP. If this trial demonstrates the efficacy of ACT-DL, it has the potential to significantly advance the treatment of people with UHR and FEP and, more generally, provides initial support for implementing mHealth interventions in mental health services. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register, ID: NTR4252. Registered on 26 September 2013.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyne van Aubel ◽  
Thomas Vaessen ◽  
Henrietta Steinhart ◽  
Annelie Klippel ◽  
Tim Batink ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is promising in the treatment of early psychosis. Augmenting face-to-face ACT with a mobile health (mHealth) ecological momentary intervention (EMI) may increase its treatment effects and empower clients to take treatment into their own hands. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate treatment adherence to and acceptability of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Daily Life (ACT-DL), a novel Ecological Momentary Intervention for people with Ultra-High-Risk (UHR) state and a First-Episode Psychosis (FEP). METHODS In the multi-center INTERACT randomized controlled trial, UHR and FEP individuals aged 15-65 were randomized to treatment as usual only (TAU) (control) or to ACT-DL+TAU (experimental), consisting of 8 face-to-face sessions augmented with an ACT-based smartphone application, delivering ACT skills and techniques in daily life. We collected data on treatment adherence to and acceptability of ACT-DL. Predictors included baseline demographic, clinical and functional outcomes. RESULTS ACT-DL+TAU participants (n=71) completed a mean of 6 (SD=3) sessions, with 59% (n=42) of participants completing all sessions. App adherence data (n=58) shows that, on a weekly basis, participants used the app 13 times and were compliant to 6 out of 24 (25%) notifications. Distribution plots of debriefing scores (n=46) show that 85%-96% of participants reported usefulness on all acceptability items to at least some extent (scores ≥2; 1=no usefulness), and that 91% reported perceived burden by number and length of notifications (scores ≥2; 1=no burden). Ethnic minority background predicted lower notification response compliance (b=-4.37; p=.012), yet higher app usefulness (b=1.25; p=.049). Negative (b=-0.26; p=.010) and affective (b=0.14; p=.04) symptom severity predicted lower and higher ACT training usefulness respectively. Being female (b=-1.03; p=.049) predicted lower usefulness of the ACT metaphor images on the app. CONCLUSIONS Our results corroborate good treatment adherence to and acceptability of ACT-DL in early psychosis. We provide recommendations for future intervention optimization. CLINICALTRIAL The trial was prospectively registered within the Dutch Trial Register (ID: NTR4252). INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3912-4


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane L. Whiting ◽  
Frank P. Deane ◽  
Grahame K. Simpson ◽  
Joseph Ciarrochi ◽  
Hamish J. Mcleod

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola R Hemmings ◽  
Jamie M Kawadler ◽  
Rachel Whatmough ◽  
Sonia Ponzo ◽  
Alessio Rossi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive worry that is difficult to control and has high comorbidity with mood disorders including depression. Individuals experience long wait times for diagnosis and often face accessibility barriers to treatment. There is a need for a digital solution that is accessible and acceptable to those with GAD. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to describe the development of a digital intervention prototype of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for GAD that sits within an existing wellbeing app platform, BioBase. A pilot feasibility study evaluating acceptability, usability and efficacy study is conducted in a sample of adults with a diagnosis of GAD, self-referred to the study. METHODS Phase 1 applied the person-based approach (creation of guiding principles, intervention design objectives and the key intervention features). In Phase 2 participants received the app-based therapeutic and paired wearable for two weeks. Self-report questionnaires were obtained at baseline and post-treatment. The primary outcome was psychological flexibility (AAQ-II) as this is the aim of ACT. Mental wellbeing (WEMWBS) and symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9) were also assessed. Post-treatment usability was assessed via self-report measures (SUS) in addition to interviews that further explored feasibility of the digital intervention in this sample. RESULTS The app-based therapeutic was well received. Of 13 participants, 10 (77%) completed the treatment. Results show a high usability rating (83.5). Participants found the digital intervention to be relevant, useful and helpful in managing their anxiety. Participants had lower anxiety (d=0.69) and depression (d=0.84) scores at exit, and these differences were significantly different from baseline. Participants had higher psychological flexibility and wellbeing scores at exit, although these were not significantly different from baseline. CONCLUSIONS This ACT prototype within BioBase is an acceptable and feasible digital intervention, with evidence of preliminary efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. This study suggests this intervention warrants a larger feasibility study in adults with GAD.


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