How effective is ACT in managing depression?

Kevin Mangelschots·10/06/2025·0 comments

Numerous studies have shown that ACT is successful for treating depression, particularly for those who struggle with chronic, treatment-resistant, or comorbid conditions.

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews

- A 2016 meta-analysis (A-Tjak et al.) reviewed 39 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and found that ACT notably reduces symptoms of depression and has comparable effects to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

- A 2020 systematic review (Gloster et al.) discovered that ACT improves psychological flexibility, which is key in managing depressive symptoms.

Comparison with CBT

- Studies suggest that ACT and CBT show similar effectiveness in reducing depression, but ACT may have an edge in promoting long-term acceptance and psychological flexibility, reducing relapse rates.

Long-term benefits

- Unlike traditional therapies that focus on symptom reduction, ACT helps build sustained toughness by teaching to accept distress and commit to important actions despite the symptoms.

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Kevin

Hi there, I’m Kevin Mangelschots! A little more about myself: - I'm 33 years old. - I’m a registered, licensed, and practicing therapist with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. - Currently practicing at a rehabilitation center located in Belgium. Longtime fitness and gaming enthusiast. - Turned towards psychology, philosophy, mental health, and self-improvement to improve my chronic depression. - My goal is to share evidence-based information with the world that I know is helpful and useful to improve depression and overall well-being. In short, I’m just a guy trying to make sense of the world by thinking about ideas, studying psychology, philosophy, and mental and physical health. I strive to apply my degree in healthcare (occupational therapy) to explain concepts as clearly as possible, based on current research findings.