Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology
Original Articles

Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Malnutrition, Psychological Flexibility, and Emotional Well-being in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Study

1.

Department of Nephrology, Lixin County People’s Hospital, Anhui, China

Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology 2025; 35: -
DOI: 10.5152/pcp.2025.251179
Read: 347 Downloads: 328 Published: 17 October 2025

Background: Malnutrition is prevalent among patients with peritoneal dialysis and is closely related to psychological distress and reduced psychological flexibility. This study aimed to explore the association between psychological status and nutritional health and to evaluate the impact of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on psychological and nutritional outcomes.

Methods: A total of 75 patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis were assessed for anxiety, depression,psychological flexibility, and nutritional status using self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), acceptance and action questionnaire-2nd edition (AAQ-II), and modified quantitative subjective global assessment (MQSGA), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was performed. In a subsequent randomized controlled trial, 52 eligible patients were divided into intervention and control groups. The control group received standard care, while the intervention group received ACT over 4 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results: Psychological indicators (SAS, SDS, and AAQ-II) were positively correlated with malnutrition severity (MQSGA) (P < .05). The ACT significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and psychological inflexibility over time compared to controls (P < .05). Nutritional markers including transferrin saturation and hemoglobin also improved in the ACT group (P < .05).

Conclusion: The ACT is effective in improving both psychological well-being and nutritional status in patients with peritoneal dialysis. Psychological flexibility may serve as a modifiable target for nutritional rehabilitation in this population.

 

Cite this article as: Zhang L. Effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on malnutrition, psychological flexibility, and emotional well-being in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: A randomized controlled study. Psychiatry Clin Psychopharmacol. Published online October 17, 2025. doi:10.5152/pcp.2025.251 179.

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