Improvement in Patients’ Ability to Care for Anxiety and Impaired Body Image: A Case Report of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Family Psychoeducation

Abstract

Heart failure and hypertension are non-communicable diseases that are responsible for 70% of deaths worldwide and cause anxiety and impaired body image. Nursing interventions (therapy in general) and acceptance and commitment therapy increase patients' acceptance of the disease and commitment to alleviate anxiety and improve impaired body image. Meanwhile, family psychoeducation improves the family's ability to care for the patient. This case report presents two patients with heart failure and hypertension. The two patients experienced a decrease in symptoms on the cognitive aspects (difficulty concentrating, focusing on self, and decline body changes), affective aspects (worry, shame, and despair), physiological aspects (sleep disorders and appetite), and behavioral aspects (daydreaming, decreased productivity, and social difficulties). Patients who find difficulty enjoying daily activities and increasing their ability and commitment to overcome anxiety and impaired body image should receive nursing intervention, acceptance and commitment therapy, and family psychoeducation as part of nursing services.