Longitudinal multisite randomized controlled trial on the provision of the acute stress syndrome stabilization remote for groups to general population in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic

This RCT by Yael Becker, María Elena Estévez, María Cristina Pérez, Amalia Osorio, Ignacio (Nacho) Jarero, Ph.D., Ed.D., and Martha Givaudan, Ph.D. provides evidence for the efficacy and safety of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization Remote for Groups (ASSYST-RG) in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Article Abstract

“The aim of this longitudinal multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT), using a treatment as usual (TAU) control group design, was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization Remote for Groups (ASSYST-RG) procedure in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety symptoms in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Mexico. A total of 63 adults (60 females and 3 males) met the inclusion criteria. Participants’ ages ranged from 21 to 73 years old (M =43.09 years). Significant differences between groups were found in all variables. Differences between groups were maintained at follow up assessment. ANOVA for repeated-measures (pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up) showed that the ASSYST-RG had a significant effect to reduce Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (F (2, 122) = 22.40 p <.000, η_P² = .269). Anxiety and depression showed a significant interaction effect for time and group (F (1, 61) = 8.89, p <.00, η_P²= .127) and (F (2, 122) = 35.04, p <.001, η_P² = .365) respectively. No adverse effects or events were reported by the participants during the procedure administration or at three months follow-up while all participants were still in lockdown. None of the participants showed clinically significant worsening/exacerbation of symptoms after the procedure. This randomized controlled trial provides evidence for the effectiveness, efficacy, feasibility, and safety of the ASSYST-RG in reducing posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Becker, Y., Estevez, M. E., Perez, M. C., Osorio, A., Jarero, I., & Givaudan, M. (2021). Longitudinal multisite randomized controlled trial on the provision of the acute stress syndrome stabilization remote for groups to general population in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychology and Behavioral Science International Journal, 16(2): 555931. Open access: https://juniperpublishers.com/pbsij/PBSIJ.MS.ID.555931.php

About the Journal

“Psychology and Behavioral Science International Journal is an Open Access, peer reviewed, multidisciplinary international journal of Juniper publisher.”

—Description from publisher