A qualitative examination of low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy to reduce anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective Method Results Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on mental health. There is an urgent need to deliver low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) tailored to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The aim was to engage in a qualitative study of participants’ views surrounding anxiety and depression during the pandemic and feedback on the acceptability and usefulness of a low-intensity CBT intervention during the pandemic to inform intervention development and refinement.There were 21 participants (21–80 years, M = 40.90 years, SD = 16.33;71% female) from Australia who participated in qualitative interviews who had completed low-intensity CBT for anxiety and depression during the pandemic.     Themes emerged including the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health, prior experience of psychological therapy, acceptability, and usefulness of the intervention, participants’ ideas for intervention improvement, and preferences for using the guide. The majority of participants reported the intervention was useful, however, suggested several areas including content and format to improve the intervention and feedback on what they would prefer for an intervention.A low-intensity CBT intervention was reported as useful and acceptable by participants for their concerns related to the pandemic and exacerbation of pre-existing anxiety and depression. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased anxiety and depression worldwide. There is a need to deliver low intensity cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of low intensity CBT in reducing pandemic related anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased anxiety and depression worldwide. There is a need to deliver low intensity cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy of low intensity CBT in reducing pandemic related anxiety and depression. What this topic adds: Participants provided positive feedback in qualitative interviews on a low intensity CBT intervention in reducing anxiety and depression related to the pandemic. Participants had several suggestions to improve the intervention, including increasing content for culturally and linguistic diverse populations and alternative formats. Low intensity CBT may hold promise in reducing the burden of anxiety and depression related to the pandemic. Participants provided positive feedback in qualitative interviews on a low intensity CBT intervention in reducing anxiety and depression related to the pandemic.Participants had several suggestions to improve the intervention, including increasing content for culturally and linguistic diverse populations and alternative formats.Low intensity CBT may hold promise in reducing the burden of anxiety and depression related to the pandemic. (Spanish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Clinical Psychologist is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)