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Acceptance and commitment therapy for depression in chronic kidney patients: a pilot study
Sonia Diéguez1, Helena García-Llana1, David Lobato2
1Centro de Enseñanza Superior Cardenal Cisneros, Madrid, Spain.
Frontiers in Psychology
|September 22, 2025
Summary
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shows promise for treating depression in hemodialysis patients. This pilot study found ACT feasible and effective, reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Depression is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis, negatively impacting quality of life and treatment adherence.
- Effective psychological interventions are needed to address mental health challenges in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for depression in hemodialysis patients.
- To assess ACT's impact on quality of life, psychological symptoms, and coping strategies.
Main Methods:
- An open-label pilot trial involving five hemodialysis patients with depressive symptoms.
- Eight weekly, individual, 60-minute face-to-face ACT sessions delivered during dialysis.
- Standardized questionnaires assessed outcomes pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3- and 8-month follow-ups.
Main Results:
- All participants completed the ACT intervention, reporting high satisfaction and feasibility.
- Sustained reductions in depressive symptoms were observed in all participants.
- Improvements in quality of life were noted in three participants; no significant changes in psychological inflexibility or coping strategies.
Conclusions:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) appears feasible and potentially effective for treating depression in hemodialysis patients.
- Psychological interventions can be successfully delivered within dialysis units.
- ACT presents a promising therapeutic avenue for improving mental health in this population.
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