Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for OEF/OIF Veterans

Last updated: September 18, 2015
Sponsor: Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Depression

Brain Injury

Pain (Pediatric)

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT01253044
W81XWH-08-2-0159
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This trial compares two psychotherapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Present Centered Therapy (PCT), for veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. We hypothesize that ACT will be more effective than PCT at reducing emotional distress and improving functioning. We further hypothesize that both interventions will be highly acceptable to participants.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Previous deployment to OEF or OIF

  • Current distress and impairment [at least one Diagnostic and Statistical Manualversion IV (DSM-IV) anxiety or depressive disorder as determined by the MiniInternational Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) or post-concussive symptoms (PCS) asdetermined by a positive traumatic brain injury (TBI) screen with a score of 25 orgreater on the Rivermead with distress or impairment related to PCS].

  • Capable of giving informed consent.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Cognitive impairment that would interfere with treatment. Potential participants willbe excluded if they screen positive for more than mild cognitive impairment on theMontreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; excluded if score < 26).

  • Severe psychopathology (psychosis, bipolar illness, urgent suicidality orself-injurious behavior) or untreated substance dependence in the past month.

  • Anticipated change in pharmacologic intervention. Patients may stay on their currentmedications during the study but will be asked to refrain from beginning or alteringmedication use during the study to the extent possible.

  • Other psychotherapy focusing on the same target symptoms. Patients may attendself-help groups or treatment for other types of problems (e.g., couples counseling)but not other treatment for the same presenting problems.

  • Anticipated deployment or other circumstance that would interfere with completion ofall study procedures.

Study Design

Total Participants: 160
Study Start date:
November 01, 2010
Estimated Completion Date:
August 31, 2013

Study Description

The proposed study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as compared to a control psychotherapy, Present Centered Therapy (PCT), for individuals with distress and impairment who deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). ACT was selected for study because it has a number of advantages for this population. It is not tied to any particular symptom constellation, so it can be applied to a variety of presenting concerns (Hayes, Luoma, et al., 2006; Öst, 2008, Powers et al., 2009), resulting in reduced training burden for clinicians and less need for applying sequential treatments to address co-morbidities. ACT has good face validity (i.e., "it makes sense") and conveys a compelling message to young Service Members and Veterans. ACT asks individuals to move forward in accordance with one's values regardless of limitations rather than struggling against those limitations. ACT appears to be acceptable to patients (mean attrition of 15.4% in 13 RCTs (Öst, 2008). ACT is being widely disseminated without adequate evidence of its effectiveness for this important population.

Connect with a study center

  • VA San Diego Healthcare System

    La Jolla, California 92161
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

    Washington, District of Columbia 20889
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Togus VA Medical Center

    Augusta, Maine 04330
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Durham VA Medical Center

    Durham, North Carolina 27705
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Cincinnati VA Medical Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • VA Puget Sound Health System

    Seattle, Washington 98108
    United States

    Site Not Available

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