Web-mediated counseling to counteract the emotional impact of COVID-19 for women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2021 Feb;25(4):2109-2113. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202102_25116.

Abstract

Objective: Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic and rare disease, more frequent in women. Symptoms of continuous pain can produce psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The spread of COVID-19 pandemic added to distress experienced by patients with IC emotions, such as fear, sadness, boredom, frustration and anger.

Materials and methods: A research on very recent literature outlines the necessity for patients facing the complexity of IC during the COVID-19 outbreak to prevent the temporary crisis, to broaden perspectives, to deal with confusion, to support in struggling with unpleasant and unexpected events.

Conclusions: People affected by IC have a psychological vulnerability that needs tailored support interventions, particularly in the COVID era. A multidisciplinary approach offers a personalized treatment through a web-mediated counseling intervention for patients and their caregivers: a space for continuous discussion and reflection can favour a relationship-based process of change aimed at an improvement in quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • COVID-19 / psychology*
  • Cystitis, Interstitial / psychology*
  • Distance Counseling / methods*
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet-Based Intervention*
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires