Therapy can significantly improve quality of life for people living with MND when delivered alongside usual care, a pioneering study has shown.
Study conducted by researchers at the University of Sheffield and UCL, found that people living with motor neuron disease (MND) find acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), delivered alongside usual care, can significantly improve their quality of life
According to the statement, the study is the largest of its kind, involving 191 participants across 16 UK MND Care Centres. Results, published in The Lancet, show that ACT alongside usual care not only maintains but improves patients’ quality of life at six and nine months post-randomisation compared to standard care alone. Moreover, no adverse events were reported related to the ACT intervention.
ACT is a type of psychological therapy that combines aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with acceptance and mindfulness-based strategies. It emphasises acceptance of difficult feelings and thoughts rather than trying to control or avoid them which can sometimes lead to more distress.
The primary outcome of the trial, which started recruitment in 2019, measured a patient’s quality of life using a standardised questionnaire, as well as assessing depression, anxiety and other factors.
Professor Chris McDermott, Professor of Translational Neurology at the University of Sheffield, Honorary Consultant Neurologist and joint lead of the trial said, “We desperately need treatments to slow down and stop MND. In a year when several large drug trials have already reported negative results we are reminded what a huge and difficult challenge that is.
Professor Rebecca Gould, Professor of Psychological Therapies at UCL and Honorary Clinical Psychologist, Chief Investigator of the study and joint lead of the trial said, “This study provides strong evidence that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be a valuable tool for improving quality of life for the 5,000 people who are currently living with MND in the UK.”
Chris Bennett, Head of Regional Services and Partnerships at the MND Association said,,“The COMMEND study shows psychological support can be effective in improving quality of life and that there is clear clinical benefit in Acceptance Commitment Therapy specifically. It is therefore important these findings are taken forward and consideration is given to offering psychological support, such as ACT, within the standard care package to all those who may benefit from it.”
The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
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