{"id":12574,"date":"2017-04-12T08:16:27","date_gmt":"2017-04-12T08:16:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wames.org.uk\/cms-english\/?p=12574"},"modified":"2017-04-12T08:35:31","modified_gmt":"2017-04-12T08:35:31","slug":"an-acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act-intervention-for-cfs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wames.org.uk\/cms-english\/an-acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act-intervention-for-cfs\/","title":{"rendered":"An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention for CFS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Research abstract:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention for\u00a0Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A case series approach<\/a>, by\u00a0Lauren Roche, David L Dawson, Nima G Moghaddam, Anne\u00a0Abey in <\/span>Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science<\/em> [Published online April 8, 2017]<\/p>\n

Objective:<\/strong>
\nAcceptance and Commitment Therapy<\/a> (ACT) has been shown to improve the\u00a0 psychological well-being of individuals suffering from a range of\u00a0chronic health conditions, and aims to increase psychological\u00a0flexibility in order to foster greater engagement in personally\u00a0meaningful behavior. We aimed to assess whether the approach (delivered\u00a0via guided bibliotherapy) may have utility for individuals experiencing\u00a0the debilitating effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).<\/p>\n

Methods:<\/strong>
\nWe used a mixed-methods multiple single-case design to explore the\u00a0effects of a six week self-help ACT intervention for six participants\u00a0diagnosed with CFS.<\/p>\n

Results:<\/strong>
\nSignificant increases in ratings of valued living were replicated and\u00a0maintained in four participants, with qualitative data further\u00a0highlighting the importance of the values component of the intervention.<\/p>\n

Acceptance scores improved in four participants but were not maintained\u00a0at follow-up, whereas improvements in psychological flexibility were\u00a0observed and maintained for three participants. All participants wearing\u00a0an activity monitor evinced increased physical activity\u00a0post intervention, which was maintained at follow up in half of the\u00a0participants.<\/p>\n

Conclusion:<\/strong>
\nThe ACT self-help intervention appeared to benefit most participants on\u00a0at least one assessed metric, particularly in terms of the promotion and\u00a0pursuit of individual values, and increased physical activity. However,\u00a0the results suggest these benefits may be difficult to maintain longer\u00a0term without further input.<\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n