Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Balance Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Long COVID

This research is looking into a new type of talking therapy called Balance Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Balance ACT) for people experiencing Long COVID. Long COVID, also known as Post-COVID-19 Syndrome, involves symptoms that continue beyond 12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection and aren't explained by other conditions. The main goal of this study is to find out if Balance ACT can help improve the quality of life for these individuals more than simply receiving a self-help leaflet. This study is a randomised controlled trial, meaning some people will receive the new therapy and others will receive the usual care (the leaflet), allowing researchers to compare the results fairly. We want to understand if this therapy could be a helpful option for managing Long COVID symptoms.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

196

Start

04 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Long COVID

What is this study about?

Many people who have had COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms long after the infection has gone. This is often called Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. These ongoing symptoms can really affect daily life and overall well-being. Researchers are always looking for new ways to help people manage these symptoms and improve their quality of life.

This study is focusing on a specific type of talking therapy called Balance Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Balance ACT). Talking therapies are treatments that involve talking to a trained professional to help manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Balance ACT aims to help people learn new ways to cope with challenging symptoms and live a fuller life, even with ongoing health issues. This study wants to see if this particular therapy can make a real difference for people with Long COVID.

The idea is to compare Balance ACT with what's called 'treatment as usual', which in this study means receiving a self-help leaflet. By doing this, the researchers can see if Balance ACT offers more benefits than simply getting information to read at home. This kind of research is important because it could lead to new, effective ways to support people living with Long COVID.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates Balance ACT, a talking therapy for Long COVID.
It aims to improve quality of life for people with persistent symptoms.
Compares the therapy to receiving a self-help leaflet.
Participants must have an NHS/NICE-defined Long COVID diagnosis.
Strict eligibility criteria apply, including age and current health status.
Participation involves therapy/leaflet and clinic visits for assessments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years old or older and have a diagnosis of Long COVID, as defined by NHS and NICE guidelines. This means you've had symptoms for more than 12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection, and doctors can't explain them by another health problem. You also need to be registered with a GP in the UK and be able to travel to the research site for appointments and understand and speak English.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have a serious mental health condition that might make it hard to participate, or if you have issues with alcohol or drug dependency. Also, if your Long COVID symptoms are very unstable, if you were hospitalised for COVID-19 in the past, or if you're currently receiving other psychological therapy or are taking part in another study, you wouldn't be able to join this one.

Unfortunately, pregnant people also cannot join this particular study. If you're not sure if you fit the criteria, it's always best to discuss it with the study team or your doctor.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had Long COVID symptoms (lasting over 12 weeks) that doctors haven't explained by another illness?
Are you registered with a GP in the UK and can you travel to the study site?
Are you currently NOT receiving other talking therapies or participating in another study?
Are you currently NOT pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first be assessed to make sure you meet all the requirements. If you do, you'll then be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either receiving Balance ACT therapy or receiving a self-help leaflet. The researchers will compare these two groups to see if the therapy makes a difference.

The Balance ACT therapy involves sessions that will help you learn new coping strategies. The details of how many sessions and over what period will be explained to you. You will also need to attend the research site for assessments at specific times during the study. These assessments will help the researchers understand how you are feeling and if your quality of life is improving. The total duration of your involvement in the study, including therapy and follow-up assessments, will be clearly explained before you agree to participate.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer you the potential benefit of learning new ways to manage your Long COVID symptoms and potentially improve your quality of life through Balance ACT therapy. However, there's also a chance you might be in the group that receives the self-help leaflet. As with any study, there's always a small possibility of emotional discomfort during therapy sessions as you explore your feelings and experiences. The research team will be there to support you throughout. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

King's College London
Verified postcode
Camberwell, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID is when you have symptoms from a COVID-19 infection that last for more than 12 weeks and can't be explained by another health problem.

What is Balance Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Balance ACT)?

It's a type of talking therapy that helps people learn to cope with ongoing health conditions and live a more fulfilling life, even with symptoms.

What will happen if I join the study?

You'll either receive Balance ACT therapy or a self-help leaflet. You'll also have assessments at the research site to see how you're doing.

Will I definitely get the new therapy?

Not necessarily. Participants are randomly put into groups, so you might get the therapy or the self-help leaflet. This helps the researchers compare the two properly.

Can I stop being part of the study at any time?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point, and it won't affect your medical care.