Background Mental health apps have great potential to help people needing support to cope with distress or specific symptoms. In fact, there is an exponential increase in the number of mental health apps available on the internet, with less than 5% being actually studied. Objective This study aimed to assess the quality of the available evidence regarding the use of mental health apps and to summarize the results obtained so far. Methods Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were searched, specifically for mobile apps on mental health issues or symptoms, and rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Results A total of 7 meta-analyses were carefully reviewed and rated. Although some meta-analyses looked at any mental health issue and analyzed the data together, these studies were of poorer quality and did not offer strong empirical support for the apps. Studies focusing specifically on anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms were of moderate to high quality and generally had small to medium effect sizes. Similarly, the effects of apps on stress and quality of life tended to offer small to medium effects and were of moderate to high quality. Studies looking at stand-alone apps had smaller effect sizes but better empirical quality than studies looking at apps with guidance. The studies that included follow-ups mostly found a sustained impact of the app at an 11-week follow-up. Conclusions This meta-review revealed that apps for anxiety and depression hold great promise with clear clinical advantages, either as stand-alone self-management or as adjunctive treatments. More meta-analyses and more quality studies are needed to recommend apps for other mental health issues or for specific populations.

Aim The COVID‐19 pandemic has introduced many mental health professionals to therapy via videoconferencing. Mostly individual teletherapy has been offered and studied, although group therapy is often offered in clinics. In fact, little is known regarding group therapy's acceptability, feasibility, and potential impact when offered via videoconferencing. Methods This pilot study offered group cognitive‐behavioural therapy for psychosis via videoconferencing to 14 individuals with early psychosis either living in remote areas or confined during the pandemic. Results The rate of consenting to the study (79%) and actual participation rates were acceptable (18.5 sessions out of 24). Although some technological obstacles were encountered, solutions offered allowed the videoconferencing group to be considered feasible for most participants and therapists. Prepost results on symptoms and self‐esteem were comparable to those of other studies using the same group treatment but in‐person. Alliance scores seemed similar as well. Conclusions More studies are warranted on the efficacy of group therapy via videoconferencing. This pilot study does offer promising results, suggesting that a wider range of people with early psychosis can be reached and benefit from the advantages of receiving an evidence‐based group intervention.

For individuals with a psychotic disorder, dating can present several challenges and lead many to be excluded from intimate relationships. These difficulties may stem from a number of factors, including impairments in social and sexual functioning. Although scientific interest in this topic is mounting, the last quantitative review of the literature dates back to 2003. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to collect, evaluate, and synthesize quantitative data from studies published in the last 15 years on romantic relationships and sexuality in the context of a psychotic disorder. Methods: Articles were retrieved from PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases and were retained if they met the following inclusion criteria: (a) original research or meta-analysis, (b) complete or partial sample with a psychotic disorder diagnosis, (c) provision of quantitative data specific to the population of interest, and (d) studies focusing on romantic relationship and/or sexuality variables as correlates, predictors, mediators, or outcomes. Study quality was evaluated using PRISMA criteria. Results: 43 studies were identified, 24 of which were categorized as obstacle-related (e.g., focusing on negative aspects of intimacy, such as risky behaviors) and 19 of which were deemed neutral or recovery-oriented (e.g., focusing on positive aspects of intimacy, such as marital functioning). Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Results highlight a need for greater communication and assistance in the areas of intimacy and sexuality for persons with psychotic disorders. Better access to resources such as dating skills and couples therapy programs as well as more consumer-oriented research is needed.

IntroductionOver the years, many psychosocial interventions for individual having both a psychotic spectrum disorder and a substance use disorder diagnoses have been developed and studied. However, there is a high dropout rate among this clinical population.ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aims to replicate a previous meta-analysis on the effects of psychosocial treatment for dual disorders, while including and determining the dropout rates in those type of interventions.MethodBased on a Cochrane systematic review conducted in 2019, we conducted a meta-analysis including 40 randomized clinical trials on psychosocial treatment among persons suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorder and substance use disorder.ResultsA dropout rate of 27,2% was obtained. Stimulants use significantly affected dropout rates. Age, gender, diagnosis, alcohol and cannabis abuse, and duration of treatment did not affect dropout rates.ConclusionThe 27,2% rate of dropout from psychosocial treatment highlights the need to engage participants having a dual diagnosis from the start by focusing on therapeutic alliance and motivation for treatment.