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Development and Feasibility of a Digital Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-Based Intervention for Generalized Anxiety
Nicola R Hemmings1,2, Jamie M Kawadler2, Rachel Whatmough3,4
1Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom.
JMIR Formative Research
|February 9, 2021
Summary
A digital acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) showed high usability and reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. This digital solution is a feasible and acceptable option for individuals with GAD.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Psychiatry
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) presents challenges in diagnosis and treatment accessibility.
- High comorbidity with depression necessitates accessible therapeutic solutions.
- Digital interventions offer a potential avenue to address unmet needs in GAD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a digital prototype of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for GAD within the BioBase platform.
- To evaluate the acceptability and usability of this digital intervention in adults with GAD through a pilot feasibility study.
Main Methods:
- A person-based approach guided the intervention design.
- Participants used the app-based therapeutic and a paired wearable for two weeks.
- Outcomes included psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), mental well-being (WEMWBS), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9) symptoms, alongside usability (SUS) and qualitative interviews.
Main Results:
- The digital ACT intervention demonstrated high usability (83.5) and was well-received by participants.
- Significant reductions in anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9) symptoms were observed post-intervention.
- While psychological flexibility and well-being scores increased, they did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- The developed ACT prototype integrated into BioBase is an acceptable and feasible digital intervention for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults with GAD.
- Further investigation through a larger feasibility study is warranted to confirm these promising findings.
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