The Efficacy of Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Preventing Post-Stroke Depression: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common complication impacting stroke prognosis.
• Current treatments for PSD lack sufficient evidence, highlighting the need for effective interventions.
• Psychotherapy, such as G-ACT, offers a potential prophylactic approach for PSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (G-ACT) in alleviating depressive symptoms among acute stroke patients.
• To assess the impact of G-ACT on neurological function recovery in stroke survivors.
• To analyze G-ACT's effectiveness across different stroke severity levels.

Main Methods:

• 104 acute ischemic stroke patients were randomized into G-ACT or usual care groups.
• G-ACT involved 5 sessions (45-55 min/session) in addition to routine stroke treatment.
• Assessments included Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Barthel Index (BI) at baseline and follow-ups (2 weeks, 1, 3 months).

Main Results:

• G-ACT group showed significantly lower HAMD scores at 1 and 3 months post-treatment compared to the control group.
• No significant differences in NIHSS scores were observed between groups during follow-up.
• Barthel Index scores differed at 2 weeks and 1 month, but not at 3 months.
• Both mild and moderate stroke patients demonstrated reduced HAMD scores after G-ACT treatment.

Conclusions:

• Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (G-ACT) is a viable and effective intervention for preventing post-stroke depression in the acute phase.
• Further research is needed to confirm G-ACT's efficacy in improving neurological deficits.
• G-ACT shows potential as a supportive therapy for stroke patients experiencing or at risk of depression.