Effect of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy on the Intolerance of Uncertain and Psychological Distress in Patients with COVID-19

This study investigated the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy (MiCBT), to decrease intolerance of uncertaint and psychological distress in patients with COVID-19.

This research was conducted in the form of an experimental design with pre-test-post-test and follow-up with a control group. thirty patients with covid-19 in Amol city were randomly allocated to either to the experimental group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). Outcomes were assessed at pre-, postintervention and at 2-month follow-up with the Kessler psychological distress scale-10 (K10) and the short version of the intolerance of uncertainty scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS.26 software and mixed covariance analysis with repeated measures and Bonferroni post hoc test.

The MiCBT intervention significantly reduced intolerance of uncertainty and psychological distress scores at posttreatment and the gains were maintained at 2-month follow-up (p < 0.001).

The results support the effectiveness of MiCBT in creating rapid and sustainable reduction of intolerance of uncertainty and psychological distress in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, experts, researchers and therapists in this field can use this intervention as an effective treatment option to improve the psychological functions of patients with COVID-19 in Iran.