Actively Recruiting
Group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) versus Individual Psychotherapy for Psychological Distress in Young People Aged 16-25
Led by Sorlandet Hospital HF · Updated on 2026-06-01
212
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Sorlandet Hospital HF
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Oslo
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating two psychological treatment approaches for young people aged 16 to 25 who experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, or difficulties in relationships. This study compares group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with treatment as usual (TAU), which is typically individual psychotherapy. The goal is to determine if the group-based ACT is as effective or more effective than standard individual therapy in helping young people with mental health challenges. The study uses a randomized controlled design to systematically compare outcomes between these two treatments. The group-based ACT intervention involves a structured program where participants meet regularly in groups of up to 10, guided by trained therapists. The therapy focuses on increasing psychological flexibility by fostering acceptance, mindfulness, values clarification, and committed action. The TAU group receives standard individual psychotherapy tailored to their clinical needs and usual care practices. Both treatments are delivered within routine clinical mental health services. Treatment sessions are manualized for ACT to ensure consistency, and the TAU treatment varies based on clinical judgment. Participants complete assessments at several points: before treatment, during treatment at 6 weeks, post-treatment at 12 weeks, and follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Evaluations include self-report questionnaires and clinician interviews measuring symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, quality of life, functioning, and psychological flexibility. Ecological momentary assessment is also used via a digital platform to track daily changes during treatment. Safety is monitored, and participants may leave the study at any time. The total participation spans up to one year to monitor long-term effects and changes.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Group-based ACT for Psychological Distress of Young People
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 16 and 25 years
- Moderate symptoms of depression, with a score of 14 or above on the DASS-21 depression scale
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of psychosis or other severe psychiatric conditions
- Active substance dependence
- Acute suicidal ideation or behavior
- Presence of eating disorders or developmental disorders requiring specialized interventions
- Specific disorders needing established evidence-based treatments (e.g., OCD) not included in this study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants receive either group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in a structured group format or treatment as usual (TAU) consisting of individual psychotherapy according to routine clinical practice.
Multiple therapy sessions during treatment period; assessment visits at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Duration - Up to 12 months
Participants are monitored with follow-up assessments to evaluate psychological distress, well-being, and treatment outcomes up to 12 months after treatment begins.
Follow-up assessments at 6 months and 12 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Sørlandet Hospital
Arendal, Agder, Norway, 4824
Actively Recruiting
2
Sorlandet hospital
Kristiansand, Agder, Norway, 4624
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
V
Vegard Øksendal Haaland, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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