Effectiveness of Commitment and Acceptance Therapy on Depression and Post Traumatic Growth in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives Chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis have adverse effects on the patient's physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of commitment-based treatment and acceptance (ACT) on depression and post-traumatic growth in hemodialysis patients. Methods The present study was clinical trial with pre-test, post-test and follow-up with a control group. Hemodialysis was performed on 36 patients referred to Imam Ali and Shahid Rajaei Hospitals in Karaj. Sampling method was convenience and patients randomly assigned into two groups: ACT group (n=18) and control group (n=18). The research tool was Beck and Post Traumatic Growth and Depression Inventory. The intervention group received ACT therapy individually in 8 sessions of 90 minutes. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results In the pre-test stage, the Mean±SD score of the depression and post-traumatic growth of the ACT group were 49.83±4.73 and 41.94±10.76, respectively. In the control group; the mean and standard deviation of depression was 45.39±2.70 and for post-traumatic growth was 44.22±8.09. After intervention and in the follow-up phase, a significant increase in mean post-traumatic growth and a decrease in depression were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (p≤0.001). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it seems that ACT as a psychological intervention can be effective in improving psychological problems and post-traumatic growth in patients undergoing hemodialysi.

Keywords

• acceptance and commitment therapy
• posttraumatic growth
• psychological
• depression
• renal insufficiency
• chronic