The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the efficacy of this manual for mentalhealth in people with mixed neurological disorders, including post-COVID. Theseconditions are often associated with cognitive impairment, which may hamper the effectsof psychoterapy. Executive functioning and especially the ability to abstract thinkingmay be useful for individuals using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Therefore, themain questions research questions are: - Is this intervention effective in improving mental health? - Do executive functions predict the extent of social participation and mental health at the end of therapy? Participants will take part in 8 weekly group therapy sessions of 100 minutes each.
Mental health issues, especially depression, anxiety, and stress, are common in people
with neurological disorders and post-COVID but often neglected and hence, remain
untreated. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a promising approach to assist
people in adapting to their conditions by improving "psychological flexibility".
A previous study translated an adapted group psychotherapy manual for stroke survivors
into German and demonstrated its feasibility. This pilot study also gave first
indications on the manual's efficacy in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and
stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of this ACT-based group
therapy. People with neurological disorders may have impairments in executive functions,
which can affect the psychotherapeutic process. Since ACT often uses metaphors and
imagery, executive functions, particularly the ability to abstract, could influence the
efficacy of the therapy and are therefore being investigated in this study. The program
includes 8 weekly sessions with a session length of 100 minutes.
Behavioral: ACT-based group therapy
ACT-based group therapy based on the manual "Living Well with Neurological Conditions"
published by Hill et al. (2017; NHS Fundation Trust; available: https://goo.gl/aX6qB5).
The manual was translated into German and adapted by shortening sessions, simplifying
language and adapting exercises based on clinical experience. The publication of the
feasibility study for the adapted manual is currently in preparation. The group therapy
includes eight weekly sessions with a duration of 100 minutes each. Three to six
individuals participate in a group. The therapy is delivered by at least one licensed
psychotherapists. A co-therapist might be included based on individual needs of the group
members.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Value above a cut-off of the DASS-21 subscales (depression > 10, anxiety > 6, and
stress > 10)
- Sufficient cognition and language ability (clinical rating)
- Sufficient therapy motivation (clinical rating)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Behavioral disorders (e.g., high irritability or apathy in clinical rating)
- Other severe mental disorder (dementia, psychosis, personality disorders,
intellectual disability)
- Simultaneous psychotherapy or neuropsychological therapy
Neuropsychologische Hochschulambulanz Bielefeld
Bielefeld, Germany
Investigator: Simon Ladwig, PhD
Contact: +49 (0) 521 106 67533
simon.ladwig@uni-bielefeld.de
Simon Ladwig, PhD
+49 (0) 521 106 67533
simon.ladwig@uni-bielefeld.de
Franziska Supe, M.Sc.
+49 (0) 521 106 67533
franziska-marie.supe@uni-bielefeld.de
Katja Werheid, Prof, Study Chair
Bielefeld University