Manuscript Title:

EFFECTIVENESS OF COMBINING E-PSYCHOTHERAPY (COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY AND POSITIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY) IN WOMEN WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND PTSD DURING A STRESSFUL COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: MULTIPLE CASE CLINICAL TRIAL STUDY

Author:

Dr. MUNEERA AL-WAHEDI, Dr. SANA ANWAR LASHRI, Dr. SUZILA ISMAIL

DOI Number:

DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/X7THG

Published : 2022-04-10

About the author(s)

1. Dr. MUNEERA AL-WAHEDI - School of Applied Psychology, Social Work and Policy, Sintok, University Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia.
2. Dr. SANA ANWAR LASHRI - School of Applied Psychology, Social Work and Policy, Sintok, University Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia.
3. Dr. SUZILA ISMAIL - School of Applied Psychology, Social Work and Policy, Sintok, University Utara Malaysia, Kedah, Malaysia.

Full Text : PDF

Abstract

Background: This multi-case clinical study investigates whether the usage of e-psychotherapy as effective in treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the COVID-19 period with three Arab women who underwent face-to-face psycho-treatment before the epidemic. With the lockdown; they have faced difficulty communicating with therapists, which led to their relapse. The cases have used some psychotropic-substances and despite the slight improvement; they did not tolerate the side-effects. Online-mental health services suggested during the lockdown as the first-aid solution. However, challenges emerged in the application such as the permanent lack of internet availability, lack of time, and implementation commitment.

Method: An e-psychotherapy application based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) strategies used combined. The sessions were randomly assigned based on the time of the therapist and the patient's need. Use the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS) before, during, and after treatment to diagnose and measure outcomes. Results: Depression, anxiety and after using e-psychotherapy, it is believed that PTSD symptoms would be alleviated (with the combination of CBT and positive psychotherapy strategies). There should be a significant statistical difference between the two groups.

Conclusion: The current study will assess and contribute to the creation of novel psychotherapy options for people who are depressed, anxious, or have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings of this research will open the road for fresh ideas to spread, flexible interventions for individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD.


Keywords

PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, E-Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Positive psychotherapy (PPT), COVID-19