Targeted ACT Compared to Supportive Therapy for Depression RCT

Targeted Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Compared to Supportive Therapy for Depressive Symptoms: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms, primarily compared to no treatment or minimal treatment controls. This study compared the efficacy of ACT targeting cognitive defusion (CD, 3 sessions) and values-based activity scheduling (VBAS, 3 sessions) to supportive therapy (ST). Both treatments offered six sessions, a rationale for the approach, related techniques, and homework assignments. A parallel group randomized controlled efficacy trial design was used. Participants were stratified by gender identification and depression severity and then randomly allocated, according to a predetermined sequence, 2:1 to ACT or ST. Dependent measures were collected during acute treatment (pre, mid, and post-treatment) and follow-up at one-month.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Scored one SD below the mean on the RSES and BSI
• Proficiency in English
• If taking medication for psychiatric reasons, stable medication use for at least eight weeks prior to enrollment and agreement to no changes in dosing during study participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving other forms of psychological treatment
• Meeting PDSQ Interview criteria for psychosis, panic disorder, substance use, or endorsement of significant suicidal ideation