Balance Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Long COVID

Launched by KING'S COLLEGE LONDON · Jan 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of psychological therapy called Balance Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Balance ACT) to see if it can help improve the quality of life for people suffering from long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome. Long COVID refers to symptoms that continue for more than 12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection and can include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and other ongoing health issues. The trial will compare the effects of Balance ACT to standard care, which includes using a self-help leaflet.

To participate in this study, individuals must be 18 years or older and have a diagnosis of long COVID based on specific guidelines. They should be able to travel to the research site for assessments and consent to wear a smartwatch during the study. However, people with certain conditions, such as severe mental health issues or specific medical devices, will not be eligible. The trial has not started recruiting participants yet, but once it does, those who join can expect support and guidance as they explore the benefits of this new therapy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 18 or older
• • 2. LC/PCS diagnosis as defined by National Health Service (NHS) / National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (i.e., symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis). A checklist will be used to ensure participants fulfil the diagnostic criteria as per the NICE guidelines
• • 3. Ability to travel to the research site for the study assessments
• • 4. Consent to wear a smartwatch throughout the study
• • 5. Having registered with a General Practitioner (GP) in the United Kingdom (UK) and consent to provide their details for the study team to contact
• • 6. Ability to provide informed consent
• • 7. Ability to read and write English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Current diagnosis of an active major mental health disorder likely to interfere with participation
• • 2. Unstable alcohol / drug dependency
• • 3. Unstable complications associated with LC/PCS
• • 4. Past hospitalisation for COVID-19
• • 5. Current or recent participation in other treatment intervention studies (\<4 weeks after completion)
• • 6. Currently receiving psychological support or psychotherapy
• • 7. Implanted medical devices (ie., Pacemaker/defibrillator or implanted neurostimulator/infusion device; implanted metal objects; artificial hip/knee replacement, spinal surgery; cardiac surgery requiring the placement of metal clips, valves or wires)
• • 8. Pregnancy