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. 2017 Dec;40(4):751-770.
doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2017.08.009.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Treatment for Anxiety and Depression: A Review

Michael P Twohig  1 , Michael E Levin  2
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Treatment for Anxiety and Depression: A Review

Michael P Twohig et al. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2017 Dec.

Abstract

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a modern form of cognitive behavioral therapy based on a distinct philosophy and basic science of cognition. This article reviews the core features of ACT's theoretic model of psychopathology and treatment and its therapeutic approach. It provides a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ACT for depression and anxiety disorders. Summarizing 36 RCTs, ACT appears to be more efficacious than waitlist conditions and treatment-as-usual, with largely equivalent effects relative to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Evidence indicates that ACT treatment outcomes are mediated through increases in psychological flexibility, its theorized process of change.

Keywords: ACT; Acceptance and commitment therapy; Anxiety; Depression; Psychological flexibility.

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