Evaluation of an Augmented Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy for Perinatal Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The perinatal period is considered a window of vulnerability given the increased risk of psychiatric difficulties during this time, such as mood and anxiety disorders (ADs). Pre-pandemic rates of ADs in perinatal women were one in five but have since increased with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID). In addition, recent research suggests that the focus of worry has shifted during the pandemic, with perinatal women reporting significantly more COVID-specific worries. The objective of this study was to augment our current evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy (CBGT) for perinatal anxiety protocol by targeting intolerance of uncertainty and tailoring existing strategies to address COVID-related worry and impact. Pregnant (n = 19) and postpartum (n = 49) women were recruited from regular clinic patient flow from a university-affiliated teaching hospital between September 2020 and March 2021. Improvements in generalized anxiety symptoms, worry, intolerance of uncertainty, and mood were observed at post-treatment, maintained at 3-months, and the intervention received high ratings of treatment satisfaction. This is the first study to examine an augmented CBGT for perinatal women with GAD during the pandemic and supports the inclusion of strategies that target intolerance of uncertainty as well as specific pandemic and perinatal worry content for effective outcomes.

Generalized anxiety disorder among mothers attending perinatal services during COVID-19 pandemic: using ordinal logistic regression model

“…Although anxiety affects the entire population, perinatal women have reported significantly more anxiety during the pandemic. Concerns about COVID [ 53 ]. Pregnant women expressed concerns about their birth, and the COVID-19 outbreak did increase pregnant women's levels of anxiety that are both general and health anxiety levels [ 54 ].…”

“…Pregnant women expressed concerns about their birth, and the COVID-19 outbreak did increase pregnant women's levels of anxiety that are both general and health anxiety levels [ 54 ]. According to Green et al., pre-pandemic anxiety in perinatal women was one in five, but has since increased with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 53 ].…”

Outcomes of pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to intensive care unit in Uzbekistan

“…With the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all clinicians have noted a significant increase in psychoemotional disorders. Yes, Green et al [12] conducted a study involving 84 pregnant women, of which one-third of the participants had the main concerns related to the impact of COVID-19 on the course of pregnancy, and 40% of worries were related to the perinatal context.…”

Work from Home Challenges of the Pandemic Era in Hong Kong: A Stimulus-Organism-Response Perspective

“…Office workers might worry about if he or she cannot finish the task on time. They might hesitate to chase their co-workers in WFH mode [ 39 ]. Relevant considerations should be used to reduce these psychological issues and to prevent the long-term psychological consequences of WFH, such as anxiety and depression.…”