An Open Trial of Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy With an Adjunctive Mobile App for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Issue 4 (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krafft, Jennifer; Ong, Clarissa W.; Davis, Carter H.; Petersen, Julie M.; Levin, Michael E.; Twohig, Michael P.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 29:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 846
• Page End: 859
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: worry -- technology -- mindfulness -- group therapy -- psychological flexibility; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2021.05.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Highlights: This open trial tested ACT groups combined with an adjunctive mobile app for GAD. There were significant improvements in worry, comorbid depression, and functioning. The app was perceived as helpful but not essential according to participant feedback. Rates of reliable and clinically significant change were low. Suggestions for therapists were developed based on clinical experience. Abstract: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and debilitating condition. Effective treatments exist, but they are time- and resource-intensive. This study tested the initial efficacy and acceptability of a novel treatment protocol designed to increase efficiency: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) taught in groups and through an adjunctive mobile app. Participants were 21 individuals with GAD who received six weeks of 2-hour group ACT sessions as well as access to an adjunctive ACT mobile app. Significant improvements occurred in worry, anxiety, social functioning, and depression as well as relevant processes (psychological inflexibility, anxiety-related cognitive fusion). In-the-moment improvements were also observed in symptoms and ACT processes immediately after completing mobile app sessions. Treatment was perceived as credible and acceptable overall. However, rates of reliable and clinically significant change were low, and app usage did not correlate with change in worry. Overall, this study suggests that an efficient, brief ACT group intervention combined with a mobile app may lead to improvements in GAD but may not be sufficient for clinically significant change. A detailed overview of the treatment is included, and guidance for clinicians interested in implementing this protocol is discussed.