AUTHOR=Kong Xiangyu , Kong Fanyang , Zheng Kailian , Tang Min , Chen Yi , Zhou Jiahuan , Li Yi , Diao Le , Wu Shouxin , Jiao Piqi , Su Tong , Dong Yuchao 

TITLE=Effect of Psychological–Behavioral Intervention on the Depression and Anxiety of COVID-19 Patients

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2020

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.586355

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2020.586355

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=The COVID-19 epidemic has caused increasing public panic and mental health stress. In this study, we explore the prevalence and factors linked to anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A total of 144 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 did depression and anxiety assessment by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Social support level were also evaluated by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) at admission. Results showed that gender, age, oxygen saturation, and social support were associated with anxiety for COVID-19 patients. In addition, age, family infection with SARS-CoV-2, and social support were the risk factors associated with depression. Moreover, we designed a psychological-behavioral intervention (PBI) program which included psychological support and breathing exercises, and explored its effects on patients with COVID-19. Of the 144 participants, 26 patients with both anxiety and depression symptoms (cutoff score of ≥8 on HADS-A and HADS-D) were randomly assigned to intervention group and control group as 1:1 ratio. After 10-day treatment, the HADS scores of depression and anxiety were significantly reduced in the intervention group, and PSSS scores were also significantly improved. But no significant differences in HADS and PSSS scores between pre- and post- treatment were found in the control group. Our findings indicate that mental concern and appropriate intervention are essential parts of clinical care for COVID-19 patients.