Feasibility and Pilot Testing of Group-based ACT for Adolescents With Functional Somatic Syndromes

Feasibility of Group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents (AHEAD) With Functional Somatic Syndromes: A Pilot Study

Recurrent and impairing functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are common in adolescents. Despite a high need for care, empirically supported treatments are lacking for youth. The aim of the uncontrolled was to assess feasibility and treatment potential of group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in a generic treatment approach for adolescents with multiple FSS i.e. "ACT for Health in Adolescents" (AHEAD).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Bodily Distress Syndrome, multi-organ type of at least 12 months' duration
• Raised since early childhood in Denmark or born by Danish parents
• Understand, speak and read Danish
• Moderate or severe impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute psychiatric disorder demanding other treatment, or if the patient is suicidal.
• A lifetime diagnosis of psychosis, mania or depression with psychotic symptoms (ICD-10: F20-29, F30-31, F32.2, F33.3), serious cognitive deficits or developmental disorders such as mental retardation and autism (ICD-10: F70, F84)
• Substance abuse of e.g. narcotics, alcohol or medication.
• Pregnancy at time of inclusion
• Not able to participate in group-based treatment, e.g. patients with severe ADHD (ICD-10: F90), severe social phobia (ICD-10: F40.1) or conduct disorder (ICD-10: F91)