Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for post-stroke adjustment difficulties via telerehabilitation in a working-age man

Abstract Adjustment difficulties following a stroke are common and associated with poorer outcomes. Current systematic reviews suggest insufficient evidence for the efficacy of psychological interventions for post-stroke anxiety and/or depression. However, a recent randomised controlled trial (Majumdar and Morris, 2019) of group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) showed promise in reducing depression and increasing hopefulness and perceived health status in stroke survivors. The present case study describes the assessment, formulation, treatment and outcomes of post-stroke adjustment difficulties in a working-aged man using ACT delivered via telerehabilitation. At the end of treatment (six sessions over 2 months), the client no longer met clinical cut-off for psychological distress and depression. Furthermore, reported levels of psychological flexibility were comparable to non-clinical norms. These gains were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Outcomes from this case study support emerging evidence indicating that ACT may be an efficacious intervention for post-stroke adjustment difficulties, even when delivered via telerehabilitation. Further research investigating the mediating and moderating effects of different cognitive behavioural processes such as values and acceptance on psychological adjustment to stroke is recommended. Key learning aims (1) Current evidence on the efficacy of psychological interventions for stroke survivors is limited. (2) This case study describes the assessment, treatment and outcomes of post-stroke adjustment difficulties in a working-aged man using an ACT approach. (3) Following six sessions of ACT delivered via telerehabilitation, the client no longer met clinical cut-off for psychological distress and depression. Moreover, his levels of psychological flexibility were comparable to non-clinical norms. (4) Further exploration of psychological processes that facilitate post-stroke adjustment difficulties is recommended.