The impact of COVID-19 on treatment seeking and interest in internet-based therapy for anxiety-related disorders: An interrupted time-series analysis

Abstract

AimsTo examine whether the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a change in demand for psychiatric treatment, interest in internet-based therapy, and differences in treatment requests by self-reported diagnoses (e.g., Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder). MethodsUsing an interrupted time series design, we analyzed intake questionnaires of treatment-seeking patients (N = 1,954) at an anxiety treatment center between June 6, 2019 through September 13, 2021. ResultsThe change in general treatment-seeking from before to immediately after the global pandemic declaration was not statistically significant. However, there was a steady increase in treatment seeking, with a more pronounced increase from 2020 into 2021. Interest in internet-based therapy increased significantly after the onset of COVID-19. The number of treatment-seeking individuals who self-reported “concerns or diagnoses” of PTSD increased significantly. ConclusionThe study supports anecdotal reports from clinics across the country about unprecedented demand for services. It highlights that many patients experienced an immediate impact of the pandemic on their self-reported concerns about trauma and PTSD symptoms, which has important clinical implications. It also highlights a shifting openness to internet-based services during the pandemic.