Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to reduce the distress of delusional beliefs
by Sheets, Michelle T., Ph.D., HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY, 2009, 166 pages; 3405266

Abstract:

Symptoms of schizophrenia have historically been resistant to psychotherapy interventions. In recent years, however, targeted cognitive behavioral therapy interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing both positive and negative symptoms. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been shown through some preliminary research to be effective with psychosis. This exploratory study investigated the effectiveness of ACT for delusions utilizing 8 treatment sessions. Participants (n=4) were outpatients who carried a diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Paranoid type. Each participant received ACT in addition to current treatment. It was hypothesized that participants would experience a decrease in delusions (measured by the Psychiatric Symptom Rating Scale, and the Characteristics of Delusions Rating Scale), overall symptoms of psychosis (measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS), as well as tension and anxiety (measured by the PANSS). Results suggest that the ACT intervention was associated with decreases in delusions and overall symptoms of psychosis in 3 of the 4 participants. However, changes in mindfulness, measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Rating Scale and the White Bear Suppression Inventory, were variable. Given the limitations of this study, causal relationships cannot be established, however this data does suggest that ACT can be beneficial for patients with delusions.

 
AdviserMark Serper
SchoolHOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/B 71-04, p. , May 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsMental health; Behavioral sciences; Clinical psychology; Cognitive psychology
Publication Number3405266
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