Exploring the feasibility of a brief ACT-based intervention for inpatients admitted under the Compulsory Psychiatric Care Act: report from a prematurely terminated attempt in a Swedish context

Aim: In 2022, 3% of Swedish psychiatric patients received treatment under the Compulsory Psychiatric Care Act (CPCA), with conditions of a psychotic nature composing one of the largest patient groups. While psychological treatment is strongly advised for patients with severe mental illness (SMI), only a minority receive such treatment, particularly during hospitalisation under the CPCA. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown effectiveness in addressing SMI within inpatient contexts. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research regarding ACT for inpatients treated under the CPCA.

Method: The topic was explored in a single-case experimental design, with self-assessment as an outcome measure. The original plan was to recruit 3–6 participants.

Results: Despite approaching 12 patients, only one individual was included and completed the intervention. The data was analysed using Tau-U, indicating that the intervention did not significantly impact the patient’s psychological wellbeing (τ = −0.0286).

Conclusion: Procedural difficulties transitioned this study into an exploratory feasibility study rather than offering definitive conclusions. There are multiple factors assumed to have influenced the outcome, including aspects such as recruitment, study design, outcome measures and setting. Suggestions are made for future studies on this topic.