The effect of online cognitive behavioral therapy on depressive symptoms in recovered patients with COVID‑19
Volume 12, Issue 2, Winter 2022, Pages 1-7
. Navid Mirzakhani Araghi, . Mehdi Alizadeh Zarei, . Shafagh Saei, . Hamid Reza Yousefi Nodeh, . Ebrahim Mahmoudi
Abstract BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 virus is on the rise globally, and people with the disease experience a
variety of physical and mental problems. According to studies, depression can be a complication of
the virus. So far, limited measures have been taken to prevent and treat emotional–psychological
complications of COVID‑19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of online cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) on depressive symptoms in recovered patients with COVID‑19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in a quasi‑experimental design. A sample
of 150 recovered patients with COVID‑19 who referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz city, were
selected by random sampling method. The patients’ emotional–psychological status was assessed
by the Beck Depression Inventory, and they entered the treatment process according to the inclusion
criteria. As a therapeutic intervention, a scientific and valid approach called CBT was implemented,
which two occupational therapists performed in eight treatment sessions in the context of a social
communication application. Paired sample t‑test was used to analyze the time sequence of quantitative
data due to its normality.
RESULTS: After the last session of the intervention, the effect of this therapeutic approach on reducing
the depressive symptoms of patients was evaluated. According to the findings, the Beck score of the
participants decreased significantly after the intervention (MD = ‒45/9, P < 0/001).
CONCLUSION: Therefore, in order to promote the recovery of patients with COVID‑19 and help
health authorities to develop preventive measures and effective treatment of emotional–psychological
problems caused by this virus, it is recommended to use the online CBT approach.