Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Worry, Anxiety, and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Women with COVID-19-induced Anxiety

Since the COVID-19 epidemic, numerous studies have shown an increase in mental health problems. According to the findings, women are more likely than men to be concerned about the spread of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in worry, anxiety, and intolerance of uncertainty in women with COVID-19-induced anxiety.

This single-case quasi-experimental study was conducted with multiple baseline, continuous assessment, and three-month follow-up. Three female patients were purposefully selected from the statistical population based on the criteria set for entering the study and were treated upon dialectical behavior therapy protocol. These individuals were assessed by completing the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Data were analyzed by graph, recovery percentage, and reliable change index.

The overall recovery values of participants after treatment (follow-up) were 25% (34%) in terms of anxiety, 56% (57%) in terms of COVID-19-induced anxiety, and 49% (52%) in terms of intolerance of uncertainty, which is statistically significant at 95% confidence level. The results show that participants' worry and intolerance of uncertainty have improved in the three-month follow-up, and the enhancement of their COVID-19-induced anxiety has been stabilized.

In general, dialectical behavior therapy is effective in improving anxiety, worry, and intolerance of uncertainty in women with COVID-19-induced anxiety.