INTERNET-DELIVERED LOW-INTENSITY CBT FOR PEOPLE WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER IN A PERIOD OF COVID-19: RESULTS OF PILOT RESEARCH

Abstract

The aim: The study aims to provide evidence of the effectiveness of online low-intensity CBT-based psychological interventions on the psychological well-being of people with social anxiety disorders and related impairments in the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: 222 volunteers aged 18-35 years included in study: low-intensity CBT group (n=106) and control group (n=116). To assess the mental health prob¬lems were used International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and a set of IAPT scales. Analyses considered levels of pre-post intervention effect sizes and clinically significant improvement of symptoms of social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and distress in maintaining general and work activity scores. Results: Comparisons between the low-intensity interventions group and control (self-help guide psychological care as usual) indicated more reduction in the severity of symp¬toms of social anxiety disorder and comorbid impairments associated with depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Changes for social phobia and other outcomes indicate that the odds of relapse or exacerbation of symptoms in the control group are more significant than those after a CBT-based low-intensity psychosocial care program. Analysis showed a significant interaction between outcomes scores and the number of sessions: more than five online sessions and homework with a self-help guide improved outcome. Conclusions: This pilot trial provides initial evidence that low-intensity online interventions based on CBT result in reductions in psychological problems for persons with a social anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.