Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) for stress, anxiety, and depression
A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Study of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT)
This project will test whether a short, need‑based course of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (up to five sessions, max 250 minutes) can help adults with elevated anxiety, depression, or stress compared with a waitlist.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aarhus C) |
| Trial ID | NCT07341425 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized interventional study enrolling 60 adults to compare FACT delivered as-needed (up to five sessions) with a waitlist control that receives usual care during the waiting period. Participants complete self-report measures at baseline, post-treatment, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, and brief questionnaires before and after each session. The study will examine feasibility, acceptability, symptom change, and psychological flexibility when FACT is implemented in primary mental health care. Recruitment is through general practitioners in the Aarhus area and participants must have Danish proficiency and access to a device with a camera.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) in the Aarhus area with clinically elevated symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 9, PHQ-9 ≥ 10, and/or PSS ≥ 14), Danish language proficiency, willingness to consent, stable or no psychotropic medication, not currently in other psychotherapy, and access to a camera-equipped device are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with bipolar disorder, current or past psychosis, substance dependence requiring treatment, active suicidal risk needing hospitalization, or those already receiving psychotherapy are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, FACT could offer a brief, accessible therapy option that reduces distress and improves coping for people with mild-to-moderate anxiety, depression, or stress.
How similar studies have performed: Prior brief ACT-type interventions have shown promising effects for anxiety and depression, but the specific FACT five-session format is less well tested and mainly being explored here for feasibility and acceptability.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: (i) age ≥ 18 years, (ii) clinically relevant symptoms of distress ≥ 4 \[53\] and either symptoms of anxiety measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD ≥ 9 \[54\]) questionnaire and/or symptoms of depression with assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 ≥ 10 \[55\]) and/or symptoms of stress measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS ≥ 14), (iii) Danish language proficiency, (iv) ability and willingness to give informed consent, (v) no or stable antidepressant/antianxiety medication (i.e., same dosage for ≥ 6 weeks), (vi) access to either a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a video camera Exclusion Criteria: (i) currently receiving other psychotherapy or counseling for the same problem, (iii) a history of bipolar disorder, (ii) current or past psychotic disorder, (iv) substance abuse or dependence judged to require treatment, (v) suicide risk requiring immediate hospitalization.
Where this trial is running
Aarhus C
- Trøjborg Lægehus — Aarhus C, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nanna Bjerg Ramsdal, MSc
- Email: nannabjerg@psy.au.dk
- Phone: +4542738777
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.