Authors:	Huth, Daniel Bräscher, Anne-Kathrin Tholl, Sarah Fiess, Johanna Birke, Gunnar Herrmann, Christoph Jöbges, Michael Mier, Daniela Witthöft, Michael
Title:	Cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with post-COVID-19 condition (CBT-PCC) : a feasibility trial
Online publication date:	3-Apr-2024
Year of first publication:	2023
Language:	english
Abstract:	Background: The post-COVID-19 condition describes the persistence or onset of somatic symptoms (e.g. fatigue) after acute COVID-19. Based on an existing cognitive-behavioral treatment protocol, we developed a specialized group intervention for individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. The present study examines the feasibility, acceptance, and effectiveness of the program for inpatients in a neurological rehabilitation setting. Methods: The treatment program comprises eight sessions and includes psychoeducational and experience-based interventions on common psychophysiological mechanisms of persistent somatic symptoms. A feasibility trial was conducted using a one-group design in a naturalistic setting. N = 64 inpatients with a history of mild COVID-19 that fulfilled WHO criteria for post-COVID-19 condition were enrolled. After each session, evaluation forms were completed and psychometric questionnaires on somatic and psychopathological symptom burden were collected pre- and post-intervention. Results: The treatment program was well received by participants and therapists. Each session was rated as comprehensible and overall satisfaction with the sessions was high. Pre-post effect sizes (of standard rehabilitation incl. new treatment program; intention-to-treat) showed significantly reduced subjective fatigue (p < 0.05, dav = 0.33) and improved disease coping (ps < 0.05, dav = 0.33–0.49). Conclusions: Our results support the feasibility and acceptance of the newly developed cognitive-behavioral group intervention for individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. Yet, findings have to be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of a control group and follow-up measurement, the small sample size, and a relatively high drop-out rate.
DDC:	150 Psychologie 150 Psychology 610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 02 Sozialwiss., Medien u. Sport
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-10260
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Document type specification:	Scientific article
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	Psychological medicine 54 6
Pages or article number:	1122 1132
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publisher place:	Cambridge
Issue date:	2023
ISSN:	1469-8978
Publisher DOI:	10.1017/S0033291723002921
Appears in collections:	DFG-491381577-H