The Effectiveness of Remote Psychological Support During the Italian COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to address the psychopathological impact of the interruption of traditional mental care during the COVID-19 lockdown on a group of public psychology service (PPS) users. For this purpose, a sample of 17 individuals requesting psychotherapeutic treatment within an Italian PPS was selected. Symptoms of psychopathologies were measured before and after the lockdown period. The investigation explored the effects of remote support, and the possible influence of adverse childhood experiences, dissociation, somatoform symptoms, and maladaptive personality traits. The results of this study showed that patients who continued with their psychological treatment by means of remote technological supports, resumed their in-person sessions showing a significant reduction of global psychopathological symptoms, anxiety, and phobic anxiety. The results also suggest that dissociative tendencies and maladaptive personality traits prevented symptomatic improvement. Finally, it was found that symptomatic improvement was favored by an absence of subjective distress during the lockdown. Implications for public services are discussed.