Impact of Brief Protocol Based on Principles of ACT on Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia

Background: Although various pharmacological treatments are available for persons suffering with positive psychotic symptoms, symptoms often continue to occur even when medications are taken. Traditional psychosocial methods such as family therapy and cognitive-behavioral alleviate symptoms in this population, but interventions are often lengthy and difficult. Furthermore, directly targeting the reduction of psychotic symptoms could produce paradoxical effects; acceptance, cognitive defusion, and valued action could therefore serve as valuable coping methods. At the level of process, ACT is characterized by a rapid reduction in the believability of negative thoughts or the unacceptability of negative feelings, even if these thoughts and feelings continue at some frequency and thus seems well suited for addressing chronic problems.

Aim: The present study intended to study the impact of brief protocol based on principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on patients with Chronic Schizophrenia.

Method: 60 patients suffering from Schizophrenia for at least 2 years, were selected through purposive sampling from Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi. Out of them, 30 each were randomly allotted to the experimental group (receiving ACT+TAU), and control group (Treatment As usual - TAU). All participants were assessed on Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire 2, at 3 points in time: Before intervention, at time of discharge and at 1 month follow up.

Results: The results show a significant intervention effect on the psychological well being of the patients, and in the process variable of psychological flexibility.

Conclusion: ACT may provide an alternative mode of managing distress faced by people with Schizophrenia, facilitate coping with symptoms and may also be given in booster sessions after discharge.