A Comparison of Two Ultra-brief Interventions in Primary Care for Patients With Anxiety, Depression, and Stress.

Overview

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility of a Swedish translation of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy protocol targeting repetitive negative thinking (RNT-ACT) compared with therapist-supported internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in Swedish primary care. Feasibility was assessed in terms of recruitment, intervention completion, and patient satisfaction. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, rumination, psychological flexibility, valued living, and cognitive fusion were assessed as secondary outcomes.

This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of RNT-ACT in Swedish primary care, using therapist-supported iCBT as an active comparator. Participants were randomized to either RNT-ACT or iCBT. RNT-ACT consisted of two 60-minute therapy sessions and audio exercises for participants to use between sessions. Participants allocated to iCBT received an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program for anxiety or depression, delivered through the secure Stöd och Behandling platform used in Region Skåne, with therapist support available through the platform. The primary feasibility outcomes were recruitment rate, intervention non-completion, and patient satisfaction measured with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). Secondary outcomes included symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, rumination, psychological flexibility, valued living, and cognitive fusion. Secondary outcomes were included to describe the sample and patterns of change and were not intended to provide evidence of comparative treatment efficacy.