Internet-Delivered Low-Intensity CBT for People with Social Anxiety Disorder in a Period of COVID-19: Results of Pilot Research

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. 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: 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 wit...