Online, social media and mobile technologies for psychosis treatment: A systematic review on novel user-led interventions

Abstract

Esta es la versión de autor del artículo publicado en: This is an author produced version of a paper published in: Background: Internet and mobile-based interventions provide a unique opportunity to deliver cost-effective, accessible, time-unlimited support to people with psychosis. The aims of this study were to systematically compile and analyze the evidence on the acceptability, feasibility, safety and benefits of online and mobile-based interventions for psychosis. Methods: Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies examining the usability, acceptability, feasibility, safety or efficacy of user-led, Internet or mobile-based interventions, with at least 80% of participants diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Results: Of 38 potentially relevant articles, 12 were eligible for inclusion. Interventions included web-based psycho-education; web-based psycho-education plus moderated forums for patients and supporters; integrated web-based therapy, social networking and peer and expert moderation; web-based CBT; personalized advice based on clinical monitoring; and text messaging interventions. Results showed that 74-86% of patients used the web-based interventions efficiently, 75-92% perceived them as positive and useful, and 70-86% completed or were engaged with the interventions over the follow-up. Preliminary evidence indicated that online and mobile-based interventions show promise in improving positive psychotic symptoms, hospital admissions, socialization, social connectedness, depression and medication adherence. Conclusions: Internet and mobile-based interventions for psychosis seem to be acceptable and feasible and have the potential to improve clinical and social outcomes. The heterogeneity, poor quality and early state of current research precludes any definite conclusions. Future research should investigate the efficacy of online and mobile interventions through controlled, well-powered studies, which investigate intervention and patient factors associated with take-up and intervention effects.

Effects of online intervention for depression on mood and positive symptoms in schizophrenia

“…While we hypothesize that HelpID will reduce depressive symptoms in psychosis, we were unable to make predictions with respect to the magnitude of the effect. Although self-help and online interventions have proven feasible in psychosis (Alvarez-Jimenez et al, 2014), a limiting factor could be that the online intervention under investigation is not adapted to the specific problems (e.g., stigma and self-stigma) and deficits (e.g., cognitive dysfunctions which may compromise translation of lessons/learning aims into everyday life) of psychotic patients. However, as patients with psychosis often do not receive specific treatment for depression, the potential of the program may be higher than in conventional (depression) populations who are usually not naïve about the contents of such programs.…”

Assessing Therapeutic Alliance in the Context of mHealth Interventions for Mental Health Problems: Development of the Mobile Agnew Relationship Measure (mARM) Questionnaire (Preprint)

“…Accessing face-to-face support can be particularly difficult for those with severe mental health difficulties such as psychosis, which is characterised by a mistrust of others, impaired social functioning, and difficulties in developing relationships with others [4]. A recent systematic review of online, social media and mobile technologies for severe mental health problems found that as many as 75-95% of service users reported technology-based interventions to be positive and useful for their mental health [5]. Furthermore, DHIs for psychosis have the potential to reduce hospital admissions, improve symptom outcomes and improve medication adherence [5].…”

“…A recent systematic review of online, social media and mobile technologies for severe mental health problems found that as many as 75-95% of service users reported technology-based interventions to be positive and useful for their mental health [5]. Furthermore, DHIs for psychosis have the potential to reduce hospital admissions, improve symptom outcomes and improve medication adherence [5]. However, research examining the efficacy of m-health interventions is lagging behind their production.…”

Recovery After Psychosis: Qualitative Study of Service User Experiences of Lived Experience Videos on a Recovery-Oriented Website (Preprint)

“…Using contemporary technologies and the internet to support recovery [15][16][17][18] and self-management [19] among people experiencing psychosis is a relatively recent phenomenon. The internet, coupled with the widespread uptake of mobile devices, has the potential to increase access to and use of evidence-based resources that can empower users in self-management [16].…”