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| ACT Interventions for Health-Related Issues |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Republic A |
| Area: VBC |
| Chair: JoAnne Dahl (University of Gavle, Sweden) |
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| Evaluation of a Brief RCT ACT Intervention for Public Workers on Sick Leave Due to Pain- or Stress Symptoms |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| JOANNE DAHL (University of Gavle, Sweden), Josefin Ahlqvist (University of Uppsala, Sweden), Andreas Claesson (University of Uppsala, Sweden), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi) |
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| Abstract: AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a brief ACT intervention for public workers who had gone on sick leave due to stress and pain symptoms. Of interest was to evaluate the effects on functional ability and life quality.
INTRODUCTION: According to a recent report from the State Department of Sweden, the frequency of persons on long-term sick leave and subsequent early disability pension is one of the highest in the world. The most common symptoms reported for sick leave are pain in neck, shoulders, and back as well as more diffuse stress related symptoms such as fatigue. Multi-disciplinary programs based on cognitive behavior therapy have shown effects in helping persons reduce dysfunction and return to work. Unfortunately, however, these treatments are rather expensive and often require inpatient care.
METHOD: Thirty-two workers (30 women, 2 men) on sick leave due to pain and stress symptoms were randomly assigned to participate in either a modified version of ACT (n = 17) or a supportive therapy (n = 15). The manual-based ACT intervention focused on expanding exposure, defusing inflexible cognition, and clarifying values, and the manual-based “supportive therapy” was based in part on reflective listening (Borkovec & Costello, 1993) and included an educational component. An experienced CBT psychotherapist and two clinical psychology candidates under supervision delivered interventions. The treatment design consisted of a 4-week baseline, four treatment sessions (two individual and two group sessions), and six and twelve month follow-up assessments. Objective and self-report measures were used to explore the effects of treatment on functional ability in relation to the most troubled life areas, pain and stress related interference with daily activities, work/occupational training, life quality, acceptance, exhaustion, medication, and the perceived relationship between occupation and symptoms.
RESULTS: Participants in the ACT group reported a significant increase in functional ability and a significant decrease in pain and stress related interference with daily activities. Moreover, participants in the ACT group demonstrated an increase in work/occupational training, a difference significant at trend level. Finally, participants in the ACT group experienced a significant increase in life quality and a significant decrease in depressed mood. The Supportive Therapy group didn’t improve significantly on any of these measures.Discussion |
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| Evaluation of a Brief ACT Intervention for Type II Diabetes |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| JOSEFIN MANSSON (University of Uppsala, Sweden), Tobias Lundgren (University of Uppsala, Sweden), JoAnne Dahl (University of Gavle, Sweden) |
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| Abstract: Epidemiological studies show the prevalence of diabetes at an estimated 15.7 million people, or 5.9% of the population of the United States. People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease, pregnancy complications, as well as a host of other illnesses and health problems. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a brief ACT intervention with people suffering from type II diabetes in Sweden. The study is a RCT ABC group design, N=40. The intervention was in the form of one single session for 1, 5 hours. a 6 hour group work shop and finally a single session for 1, 5 hours. The control group was given the diabetes treatment suggested from American association for diabetes. The key elements of treatment were: Valued directions, cognitive diffusion, acceptance, exposure and commitment to behaviour activities in valued directions. The result of the study will be presented at the conference. |
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| An Evaluation of a Multi Sited Brief ACT Intervention with People Suffering from Refractory Epilepsy in India and South Africa |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| TOBIAS LUNDGREN (University of Uppsala, Sweden), JoAnne Dahl (University of Gavle, Sweden), Nandan Balkrishna Yardi (Epilepsy Clinic, Pune, India), Kathy Pahl (University of Cape Town, South Africa) |
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| Abstract: In countries such as South Africa and India, people with Epilepsy will not receive nor have access to antiepileptic drug treatment. The purpose of these two multi center studies is to develop and evaluate an ACT model for persons with frequent seizures. These studies based in two sites in South Africa and one in India are RCT ABC designs N=60 in India and N=80 in South Africa. Treatment will consist of an individual session for 1,5 hour followed by one group session for 6 hours and finally one 1,5 individual session. In India there are three treatment conditions: ACT, Yoga and a control. In South Africa there are two conditions: ACT and a control. Key components in the ACT conditions are exposure, values, commitment, diffusion, willingness and empowerment. The Yoga condition is based on training in both breathing exercises and yoga posturing. Treatment effects were measured with EEG, seizure frequency, quality of life, AAQ. Results will be presented at the conference. |
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