Acceptance and commitment therapy not associated with different outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease

1. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in patients with coronary heart disease does not affect short-term biological indicators of risk but does improve psychological well-being timelines

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on biological and psychological well-being of patients with coronary heart disease. The control group received the usual care (UC) of a 6-week multidisciplinary outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program which includes physical exercise, educational counselling, and medical exams. The experimental group received the same care with the addition of ACT given as 3 group sessions. Over the course of care, participants were tested for low-density lipoproteins (LDL), resting systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and a psychological well-being score (Psychological General Well-Being Index – PGWBI). Additionally, psychological inflexibility, dietary habits, exercise, smoking status and quality of life were assessed using questionnaires. Of the tested measures, the only significant change seen was a time effect seen in PGWBI. The study would have been improved with a larger sample size (n=92) though the heterogeneity in the population due to broad inclusion criteria means the results are more generalizable. Conducting the study with the UC as a control group is also a strength as other studies tend to compare to no treatment. A longer ACT duration should be done to investigate the effect of ACT length on outcomes.

Click to read the study in the BMJ (British Medical Journal)

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