Effect of Online Balint Group and Pharmacotherapy on COVID-19 Anxiety in Iranian Healthcare Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Anxiety persists following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has caused dysfunction. Objectives: We compared the effect of the online Balint group and pharmacotherapy on COVID-19-induced anxiety in Iranian healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: In the current clinical trial in the north of Iran in 2021, the participants were randomly assigned to two groups, including the Balint group (eight 60-minute online sessions) and the pharmacotherapy group (sertraline), following a phone screening procedure by a psychiatrist. The groups filled out two questionnaires, namely the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale, at baseline and after the intervention (fourth week). Results: Forty-five HCWs were assessed. There was a significant difference in total anxiety score and also in sub-component in each group (P ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding the effectiveness of both interventions in anxiety (P = 0.52); however, the pharmacotherapy interventions significantly affected the resilience and related subscales (P ≤ 0.05). The domain of spiritual influences significantly increased in the pharmacotherapy group (P = 0.031). Conclusions: Balint group and pharmacotherapy can improve COVID-19-induced anxiety and boost resilience in HCWs.