JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Psychological interventions, along with antipsychotic medications, are recommended for adults diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. While first designed to mitigate positive symptoms, psychological interventions targeting personal recovery were developed and align with the recovery framework that many mental health services have adopted. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for psychosis is one such intervention that shows promise when delivered in an individual format. There is preliminary evidence that ACT for psychosis in a group format improves recovery.

Objective:

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘Recovery ACT’ group program on personal recovery among adults living with a psychotic disorder.

Methods:

This unfunded study is a multi-agency, prospective, single-group trial of the ‘Recovery ACT’ group program. The program involves seven weekly group sessions of 90-minute duration, and a 90-minute booster session held a month later. We intend to recruit 160 adults living with a psychotic disorder who enrol in a group that is offered as a routine clinical service at participating public mental health services in Melbourne, Australia. The four assessment time points are: four to six weeks prior to the group’s start, at the start of the group, at the end of the group, and at the booster session. There is an optional mid-group assessment and follow-up interview. The primary outcome is personal recovery. Secondary outcomes include wellbeing and psychological flexibility processes. Qualitative data is also collected from participants and facilitators.

Results:

Recruitment began in September 2019 and is ongoing until 2024 subsequent to a 24-month disruption due to the SARS-COV-2 pandemic.

Conclusions:

This is the first trial evaluating the effectiveness of the Recovery ACT group program on personal recovery for adults living with a psychotic disorder. Findings will contribute to knowledge about psychosocial interventions for adults living with psychosis. This trial will also serve as a model of a partnership between clinicians and academics that may facilitate the translation of research to practice. Clinical Trial: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number is ACTRN12620000223932. Retrospectively registered on 24 February 2020, https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/anzctr/trial/ACTRN12620000223932.