About CoronaStress

For years, research has been conducted on psychological treatment via the Internet at Linköping University and around the world. Previously, treatment studies with Internet-mediated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for various anxiety disorders and depression have been conducted. The results have been overwhelmingly positive where a majority of people who have undergone treatment have found it to be helpful. Now we want to investigate whether a self-help program of CBT via the internet is helpful for people want to manage their stress or are having difficulty doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will include people who feel stressed and may have symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep troubles, difficulty managing emotions or distressing memories. The study involves engaging in a self-help program with study team consultation available all via a website. A prerequisite for participation is that you have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet connection and the possibility to send and receive e-mail.

Half of the study participants will be drawn to start treatment immediately, while the other half will have to wait 6 weeks before starting treatment. This is done in order to be able to compare the effect of the treatment with those waiting for the treatment.

Contents of Self-Help CBT treatment of stress and related symptoms

Self Help based on CBT principles includes many different methods and techniques, which are about trying to change how we think and what we do. Many different studies involving programs using CBT have shown that a majority of patients achieve relief regarding their stress, low mood, and anxiety, and that the effect often persists over time. The program also gives the patient knowledge about various factors that affect relapse, which increases the chances of retaining the improvement achieved during the treatment.