An acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based intervention for an adult experiencing post-stroke anxiety and medically unexplained symptoms

Graham, Christopher D. and Gillanders, David and Stuart, Simon and Gouick, Joanna (2015) An acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based intervention for an adult experiencing post-stroke anxiety and medically unexplained symptoms. Clinical Case Studies, 14 (2). pp. 83-97. ISSN 1552-3802 (https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650114539386)

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Abstract

To date, there is little support for the use of any psychotherapy to address post-stroke anxiety. Similarly, there have been no trials of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for post-stroke anxiety, but clinician opinion suggests that an ACT approach may be effective in this context. In this case study, a high-functioning younger man with post-stroke anxiety and associated medically unexplained symptoms (chest pain and dizziness) was assessed and treated using an ACT approach. Mediators of change for both ACT (psychological flexibility) and cognitive therapy (illness perceptions) were recorded as were measures of depression, anxiety, and stress. By the end of treatment, the client was free of chest pain, had successfully returned to work, and had considerable reductions in anxiety, with smaller reductions in depression and stress. As outcomes improved, concomitant changes in psychological flexibility and illness perceptions were observed. The potential benefits offered by an ACT approach to post-stroke anxiety are discussed.

ORCID iDs

Graham, Christopher D. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8456-9154, Gillanders, David, Stuart, Simon and Gouick, Joanna;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:84680
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    16 April 2015
    Published
    18 June 2014
    Published Online
    Subjects:Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology
    Department:UNSPECIFIED
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:13 Mar 2023 15:09
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 13:50
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/84680
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