A randomised controlled trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for older people with treatment resistant generalised anxiety disorder.
Looking for: People aged 60 and over who have a diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder OR experiencing difficulties with chronic worry. Only open to recruit from teams where trained ACT Therapists are (NSFT Older Peoples Community Mental Health Teams: East and West Suffolk, and Norfolk: Norwich/North Care Group).
Location: In-person or online.
Information about the Study: The purpose of this trial is to see if a new form of talking therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) plus usual care can reduce anxiety in older people with chronic worry that has not improved after previous treatment compared to usual care alone. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a new form of talking therapy. It aims to help people learn how to live as best a life as they can with chronic worry, by helping them do things that are important and matter to them, alongside any worries or concerns they may have. If an individual is eligible and consents to the study, then they will be randomised to either the intervention group (ACT plus usual care) or the control group (usual care alone), there is a 50/50 chance of the individual receiving either ACT plus usual care or usual care alone.
What will taking part involve: Visits can be either face to face (home or clinic), telephone or online videocall. There is an initial Consent and Screening visit, followed by Baseline and further visits at 6 and 12 months. If randomised to the intervention arm, the participant will be offered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) plus their usual care. ACT includes up to 14, 1-hour sessions of therapy. The sessions can take place in person or by video or phone call. ACT includes working with a therapist to develop an understanding of the difficulties the person has been experiencing.
Contact the research team
If you have any questions about the study, please contact the research team using the below email address:
Researchinfo@nsft.nhs.uk