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

OBJECTIVE: 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. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 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: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.

A follow-up study on treatment effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder: Impact of COVID-19 fear during post-lockdown period.

There is a paucity of research on the role of COVID-19 related fear and lockdown on social anxiety disorder (SAD). In a follow-up study during post-lockdown period, we compared social anxiety of individuals with SAD who received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) versus psychoeducational-supportive therapy (PST) before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact of COVID-19 related fear. Social anxiety severity was rated by the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and post-lockdown periods. Fear of COVID-19 was assessed during the post-lockdown period. The treatment effects in the CBT group (n = 33) were significantly better than the PST group (n = 32) at post-intervention; this was maintained at 14-months following intervention despite COVID-related lockdown. In the PST group, there was no change following the intervention; and the social phobia increased after lockdown. The CBT group had significantly less COVID-19 related fear than the PST group. Social anxiety was positively correlated with fear of COVID-19; and individuals with comorbidities had significantly more fear. Using the hierarchical multiple regression, SPIN post-intervention, COVID-19 fear, and duration of SAD predicted social anxiety severity during the post-lockdown period. In conclusion, the effect of CBT for SAD was maintained through lockdown and was associated with significantly less COVID-19 related fear.