Fear and Anxiety in COVID-19: Preexisting Anxiety Disorders. Issue 4 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shafran, Roz; Rachman, Stanley; Whittal, Maureen; Radomsky, Adam; Coughtrey, Anna
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 28:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 459
• Page End: 467
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: anxiety -- vulnerability -- therapeutic techniques -- COVID-19; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2021.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Highlights: People with preexisting anxiety-related disorders are vulnerable to a steep inflation of fear during COVID-19 pandemic. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be competently done using one of the many commercially available encrypted video platforms. Advanced techniques, such as virtual-reality procedures, can be effective in treating anxiety-related disorders during quarantine. Abstract: The general population has experienced a significant elevation in fear and anxiety during COVID-19 both as a direct result of the virus but also due to measures taken to prevent it spreading, such as the need to stay inside and increase hand-washing. Lockdown has been used in many/most countries to prevent widespread infection. The advice and imposed actions are necessary to prevent the virus from spreading, but they might exacerbate the problems experienced by people with a preexisting anxiety-related disorder. The treatment of anxiety-related disorders can be provided while in quarantine. Staying at home in self-isolation does not preclude obtaining psychological treatment for anxiety-related disorders. Dealing with cognitive biases, over-estimations of threat, intolerance of uncertainty, inflated responsibility and excessive safety behavior, are useful clinical directions.