Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso en el tratamiento de la ansiedad en adultos: una revisión sistemática

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the scientific evidence on the differential efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in adults with anxiety disorders, according to the specific type of clinical diagnosis. Method: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and constant comparative analysis. 113 empirical studies (randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, pragmatic trials) were analyzed from the Dimensions.ai database, published between 2007 and 2025. Studies were searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus (2000-2025). Randomized and quasi-experimental trials with adults (≥18 years) with specific anxiety diagnoses, where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was the primary intervention, were included. From 113 records, 30 studies were selected. Results: Therapy efficacy varies significantly by diagnosis: highly effective in social anxiety disorder, mediated by cognitive defusion and values clarification; equal to cognitive-behavioral therapy in eneralized anxiety disorder, but with faster changes in psychological flexibility; and specific in panic disorder, where acceptance of bodily sensations is key. It is also effective in clinical contexts (oncological care, academic stress), especially in digital and group formats. Conclusions: Therapy efficacy is not uniform but depends on diagnosis, therapeutic processes, and intervention format. These findings support precise clinical personalization and the development of evidence-based practice guidelines.