The findings suggest that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy effectively treat depression and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors
Garima Joshi, Christ University, Delhi, India.
Charu Joshi, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, India; 21K School, Karnataka, Bangalore, India.
Bhawna Tushir, Christ University, India.
Akancha Srivastava, Associate Professor, Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Summary
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the administration of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) either face-to-face or online. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of CBT and Internet-Delivered CBT (iCBT) in treating depression and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Methods: Three independent reviewers searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trial Databases using specific search phrases. PubMed searches included “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/Intervention” and “COVID-19” and “2019 Coronavirus Disease” or “2019-nCoV”, “internet-administered/internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT, cognitive behavioural treatment”. Two independent reviewers evaluated the risk of bias at the study level, with disagreements settled through discussion with other research team members. The study findings were reported as per the PRISMA guidelines.
Results: Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, and 17 were randomised controlled trials. The studies demonstrated that CBT and iCBT effectively treated depression and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a hybrid CBT modality was more beneficial from a long-term perspective.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that CBT and iCBT effectively treat depression and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research is needed to establish these interventions’ long-term effectiveness and identify the optimal mode of delivery for different populations.
Published in: Exploring the Psycho-Social Impact of Covid-19: Global Perspectives on Behaviour, Interventions and Future Directions, Pages 59 – 88, Routledge.
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