A brief acceptance and commitment therapy-based intervention for Guillain-Barré syndrome: a case study

Abstract

This case study explores the effectiveness of a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention for a patient diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. The patient, a 52-year-old woman from a low socioeconomic background, was referred through the hospital’s social work department after declining psychiatric treatment despite ongoing psychological distress. She participated in six ACT sessions over a period of several weeks, with each session lasting approximately 50 min. The intervention began one week after the initial assessment and continued via home visits and video conferencing, followed by a two-month post-intervention follow-up. The intervention aimed to enhance psychological flexibility, reduce psychological distress, and improve commitment to physiotherapy. Pretest and posttest measures were obtained using the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (21-item version). The results indicated substantial improvements in psychological flexibility, with marked increases in openness to experience, behavioral awareness, and valued action. Psychological distress significantly decreased across all domains. The pretest to posttest changes were statistically significant and maintained or further improved at follow-up. Notably, the patient reported the cessation of suicidal thoughts and an enhanced ability to manage negative thoughts, particularly through mindfulness exercises. The intervention facilitated the patient’s acceptance of physical limitations, reduced the impact of distressing thoughts and emotions, and promoted engagement in meaningful activities. These outcomes suggest that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be an effective therapeutic approach for individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome, fostering psychological resilience and empowering them to face daily challenges.