1
|
Zainal NH, Newman MG. A randomized controlled trial of a 14-day mindfulness ecological momentary intervention (MEMI) for generalized anxiety disorder. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e12. [PMID: 36645098 PMCID: PMC9970156 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about whether brief mindfulness ecological momentary interventions (MEMIs) yield clinically beneficial effects. This gap exists despite the rapid growth of smartphone mindfulness applications. Specifically, no prior brief MEMI has targeted generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Moreover, although theories propose that MEMIs can boost executive functioning (EF), they have largely gone untested. Thus, this randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to address these gaps by assessing the efficacy of a 14-day smartphone MEMI (versus self-monitoring placebo [SMP]). METHOD Participants with GAD were randomly assigned to either condition (68 MEMI and 42 SMP). MEMI participants exercised multiple core mindfulness strategies and were instructed to practice mindfulness continually. Comparatively, SMP participants were prompted to practice self-monitoring and were not taught any mindfulness strategies. All prompts occurred five times a day for 14 consecutive days. Participants completed self-reports and neuropsychological assessments at baseline, posttreatment, and 1-month follow-up (1MFU). Piecewise hierarchical linear modeling analyses were conducted. RESULTS MEMI (versus SMP) produced greater pre-1MFU reductions in GAD severity and perseverative cognitions (between-group d = 0.393-0.394) and stronger improvements in trait mindfulness and performance-based inhibition (d = 0.280-0.303). Further, MEMI (versus SMP) led to more considerable pre- to posttreatment reduction in state-level depression and anxiety and more mindfulness gains (d = 0.50-1.13). Overall, between-treatment effects were stronger at pre-1MFU than pre- to posttreatment for trait-level than state-level treatment outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings suggest that the beneficial effect of an unguided brief MEMI to target pathological worry, trait mindfulness, and EF is modest yet potentially meaningful. Other theoretical and clinical implications were discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle G Newman
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Diano F, Sica LS, Ponticorvo M. A Systematic Review of Mobile Apps as an Adjunct to Psychological Interventions for Emotion Dysregulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1431. [PMID: 36674189 PMCID: PMC9864409 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health care has been enriched with the progressive use of technology during the last ten years, in particular after the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile applications (apps) and smartphones have become the most widespread access point for many people who look for self-help in the psychological domain. OBJECTIVE We focused on a systematic review of mobile apps for mental health, focusing on the blending of apps with psychotherapy contexts, with a specific focus on emotional dysregulation. METHODS A comprehensive literature search (January 2017 to August 2022) in PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Abstracts were included if they described mental health mobile apps targeting emotional dysregulation and their use during ongoing psychological or psychotherapy treatment for adults and adolescents. RESULTS In total, 397 abstracts were identified; of these, 19 publications describing apps targeting borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviors, and post-traumatic stress disorders met the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS App-enhanced psychotherapy might be a winning combination in many scenarios, but at the same time, many issues must still be faced in this yet emerging scientific field. In conclusion, we tried to put together some major guidelines for mental health mobile app development in the context of psychological treatments.
Collapse
|
3
|
Taylor T, Stockton S, Bowen M. Crisis resolution home treatment team Clinicians' perceptions of using a recovery approach with people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2022; 30:558-567. [PMID: 36579628 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: It is known that people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder often experience crises in their mental wellbeing. There is little evidence about the approaches of mental health nurses in community-based crisis teams when working with people with a diagnosis of BPD. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO THE EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper highlights that limited resources, work-patterns and issues of stigma present challenges to delivering recovery-oriented care. The paper highlights that nurses typically try to navigate the challenges to continue to provide individualized care, though their self-assessment is that this is with mixed success. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The findings suggest that support is needed to develop brief interventions specific to teams working with people with a diagnosis of BPD who are at a point of crisis. ABSTRACT: Introduction People with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are often in contact with mental health services at a point of crisis, and in the UK, this includes Crisis Resolution Home Treatment teams (CRHTT). There is a drive for services to be recovery orientated; however, there is little evidence about the degree to which community services achieve this for people with a diagnosis of BPD when in crisis. Research Aim To understand the perceptions held by CRHTT clinicians about their provision of recovery-orientated acute care, for people with a diagnosis of BPD. Method From a purposive sample of a single CRHTT, seven registered mental health nurses were interviewed and Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework was used to interpret the data. Results Five themes emerged: person-centred care; the timing is wrong; inconsistent staffing; the risks are too great; and BPD as a label. Discussion The results demonstrate tensions between a drive to deliver person-centred care and a range of challenges that inhibit this, with the possibility of reframing a recovery approach as "recovery-ready". Implications for Practice A whole-system approach is required to enable a consistent recovery-oriented approach, but research is also needed for brief interventions specific to this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Taylor
- Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fernández-Felipe I, Guillén V, Castilla D, Navarro-Haro MV, García-Palacios A. A smartphone application of "Family Connections" to increase the use of skills and improve psychological symptoms in relatives of people with borderline personality disorder: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Internet Interv 2022; 29:100546. [PMID: 35607385 PMCID: PMC9123206 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Verónica Guillén
- University of Valencia and Ciber Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Azucena García-Palacios
- Universitat Jaume I and Ciber Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A systematic review of engagement reporting in remote measurement studies for health symptom tracking. NPJ Digit Med 2022; 5:82. [PMID: 35768544 PMCID: PMC9242990 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Remote Measurement Technologies (RMTs) could revolutionise management of chronic health conditions by providing real-time symptom tracking. However, the promise of RMTs relies on user engagement, which at present is variably reported in the field. This review aimed to synthesise the RMT literature to identify how and to what extent engagement is defined, measured, and reported, and to present recommendations for the standardisation of future work. Seven databases (Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO (via Ovid), PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched in July 2020 for papers using RMT apps for symptom monitoring in adults with a health condition, prompting users to track at least three times during the study period. Data were synthesised using critical interpretive synthesis. A total of 76 papers met the inclusion criteria. Sixty five percent of papers did not include a definition of engagement. Thirty five percent included both a definition and measurement of engagement. Four synthetic constructs were developed for measuring engagement: (i) engagement with the research protocol, (ii) objective RMT engagement, (iii) subjective RMT engagement, and (iv) interactions between objective and subjective RMT engagement. The field is currently impeded by incoherent measures and a lack of consideration for engagement definitions. A process for implementing the reporting of engagement in study design is presented, alongside a framework for definition and measurement options available. Future work should consider engagement with RMTs as distinct from the wider eHealth literature, and measure objective versus subjective RMT engagement.Registration: This review has been registered on PROSPERO [CRD42020192652].
Collapse
|
6
|
The Use of Computer-Driven Technologies in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133685. [PMID: 35806970 PMCID: PMC9267789 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the effectiveness of computer-driven technologies for treatment of patients suffering from BPD. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Pubmed, EMBASE, PsycNET (PsycINFO), CINAHL and Google Scholar electronic databases for the period from their inception dates until 2022. Thirty studies were selected for abstract screening. Seven studies were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria. The remaining 23 studies were fully assessed, and 12 were excluded. Therefore, 11 studies were included in the analysis of the effectiveness of computer-driven technologies, which encompassed mobile applications, telehealth interventions, internet-based interventions, virtual reality MBT and dialogue-based integrated interventions. Computer-driven interventions are showing signs of effectiveness in the treatment of BPD symptoms. The limited number of articles found on the subject demonstrates a need for further exploration of this subject.
Collapse
|
7
|
A systematic quality rating of available mobile health apps for borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2022; 9:17. [PMID: 35642024 PMCID: PMC9158356 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00186-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health apps (MHAs) may offer a mean to overcome treatment barriers in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) mental health care. However, MHAs for BPD on the market lack transparency and quality assessment. METHODS European app stores were systematically searched, and two independent trained reviewers extracted relevant MHAs. Employed methods and privacy and security details documentation of included MHAs were extracted. MHAs were then assessed and rated using the German version of the standardized Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS-G). Mean values and standard deviations of all subscales (engagement, functionality, aesthetics, information, and therapeutic gain) and correlations with user ratings were calculated. RESULTS Of 2977 identified MHAs, 16 were included, showing average quality across the four main subscales (M = 3.25, SD = 0.68). Shortcomings were observed with regard to engagement (M = 2.87, SD = 0.99), potential therapeutic gain (M = 2.67, SD = 0.83), existing evidence base (25.0% of included MHAs were tested empirically), and documented privacy and security details. No significant correlations were found between user ratings and the overall total score of the MARS-G or MARS-G main subscales. CONCLUSIONS Available MHAs for BPD vary in quality and evidence on their efficacy, effectiveness, and possible adverse events is scarce. More substantial efforts to ensure the quality of MHAs available for patients and a focus on transparency, particularly regarding privacy and security documentation, are necessary.
Collapse
|
8
|
Denecke K, Schmid N, Nüssli S. Implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in e-Mental Health Apps: Literature Review. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e27791. [PMID: 35266875 PMCID: PMC8949700 DOI: 10.2196/27791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To address the matter of limited resources for treating individuals with mental disorders, e–mental health has gained interest in recent years. More specifically, mobile health (mHealth) apps have been suggested as electronic mental health interventions accompanied by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Objective This study aims to identify the therapeutic aspects of CBT that have been implemented in existing mHealth apps and the technologies used. From these, we aim to derive research gaps that should be addressed in the future. Methods Three databases were screened for studies on mHealth apps in the context of mental disorders that implement techniques of CBT: PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library. The studies were independently selected by 2 reviewers, who then extracted data from the included studies. Data on CBT techniques and their technical implementation in mHealth apps were synthesized narratively. Results Of the 530 retrieved citations, 34 (6.4%) studies were included in this review. mHealth apps for CBT exploit two groups of technologies: technologies that implement CBT techniques for cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem solving (exposure is not yet realized in mHealth apps) and technologies that aim to increase user experience, adherence, and engagement. The synergy of these technologies enables patients to self-manage and self-monitor their mental state and access relevant information on their mental illness, which helps them cope with mental health problems and allows self-treatment. Conclusions There are CBT techniques that can be implemented in mHealth apps. Additional research is needed on the efficacy of the mHealth interventions and their side effects, including inequalities because of the digital divide, addictive internet behavior, lack of trust in mHealth, anonymity issues, risks and biases for user groups and social contexts, and ethical implications. Further research is also required to integrate and test psychological theories to improve the impact of mHealth and adherence to the e–mental health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Denecke
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Biel, Switzerland
| | | | - Stephan Nüssli
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Biel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Psychoéducation et régulation émotionnelle en temps de confinement : faisabilité et intérêt de vidéos YouTube de thérapie comportementale dialectique. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2021.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
10
|
Moses JC, Adibi S, Shariful Islam SM, Wickramasinghe N, Nguyen L. Application of Smartphone Technologies in Disease Monitoring: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:889. [PMID: 34356267 PMCID: PMC8303662 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Technologies play an essential role in monitoring, managing, and self-management of chronic diseases. Since chronic patients rely on life-long healthcare systems and the current COVID-19 pandemic has placed limits on hospital care, there is a need to explore disease monitoring and management technologies and examine their acceptance by chronic patients. We systematically examined the use of smartphone applications (apps) in chronic disease monitoring and management in databases, namely, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Proquest, published from 2010 to 2020. Results showed that app-based weight management programs had a significant effect on healthy eating and physical activity (p = 0.002), eating behaviours (p < 0.001) and dietary intake pattern (p < 0.001), decreased mean body weight (p = 0.008), mean Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.002) and mean waist circumference (p < 0.001). App intervention assisted in decreasing the stress levels (paired t-test = 3.18; p < 0.05). Among cancer patients, we observed a high acceptance of technology (76%) and a moderately positive correlation between non-invasive electronic monitoring data and questionnaire (r = 0.6, p < 0.0001). We found a significant relationship between app use and standard clinical evaluation and high acceptance of the use of apps to monitor the disease. Our findings provide insights into critical issues, including technology acceptance along with regulatory guidelines to be considered when designing, developing, and deploying smartphone solutions targeted for chronic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeban Chandir Moses
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | - Sasan Adibi
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
| | | | - Nilmini Wickramasinghe
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia;
| | - Lemai Nguyen
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, Deakin Business School, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Frías Á, Palma C, Salvador A, Aluco E, Navarro S, Farriols N, Aliaga F, Solves L, Antón M. B·RIGHT: usability and satisfaction with a mobile app for self-managing emotional crises in patients with borderline personality disorder. Australas Psychiatry 2021; 29:294-298. [PMID: 32438869 DOI: 10.1177/1039856220924321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder characterized by emotional crises. To date, crisis interventions for BPD have been conducted via telephone calls and emergency units, which are associated with an extra amount of resources. The aim of this research was to test the usability and satisfaction with a psychotherapeutic mobile app for self-managing crises in BPD. METHOD The B·RIGHT app was designed based on Artificial Intelligence psychotherapeutic algorithms. Usability and satisfaction with the app were assessed in 25 outpatients diagnosed with BPD (84% female, mean age = 35.80 years) using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and other questionnaires. Clinical features were assessed using the Borderline Symptom List, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and Beck's Depression Inventory. RESULTS Patients with BPD considered the app user-friendly (mean total score = 4.03) and highly satisfactory (mean total score = 4.02), resulting in a positive user experience (mean total score = 4.09). Total usability was negatively associated with age (r = -.44), positively associated with educational level (rho = .47) and with overall emotion dysregulation (r = .51), and negatively associated with depression severity (r = -.47). CONCLUSIONS The usability and satisfaction testing of the B·RIGHT app showed promising findings, which warrant further research in order to validate its effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Frías
- Facultad de Psicologia, Ciencias de la Educación y el Deporte Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Spain; and Consorci Sanitari del Maresme. Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataró, Spain
| | - Carol Palma
- Facultad de Psicologia, Ciencias de la Educación y el Deporte Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Spain; and Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataró, Spain
| | - Ana Salvador
- Department of Psychiatry, Parc Salut del Mar, Spain
| | - Elena Aluco
- Department of Psychiatry, Consorci Sanitari of Terrassa, Spain
| | - Sara Navarro
- Facultad de Psicologia, Ciencias de la Educación y el Deporte Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Spain; and Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataró, Spain
| | - Núria Farriols
- Facultad de Psicologia, Ciencias de la Educación y el Deporte Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Spain; and Consorci Sanitari del Maresme. Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataró, Spain
| | - Ferrán Aliaga
- Facultad de Psicologia, Ciencias de la Educación y el Deporte Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Spain; and Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataró, Spain
| | - Laia Solves
- Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataró, Spain
| | - Meritxell Antón
- Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataró, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cliffe B, Tingley J, Greenhalgh I, Stallard P. mHealth Interventions for Self-Harm: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25140. [PMID: 33929329 PMCID: PMC8122298 DOI: 10.2196/25140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-harm is a growing issue with increasing prevalence rates; however, individuals who self-harm do not often receive treatment. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are a possible solution to some of the barriers that individuals face when seeking support, and they have also been found to be effective in improving mental health. Thus far, reviews of mHealth interventions for self-harm have been limited by study type. Therefore, we determined that a broader scoping review will provide a more exhaustive understanding of mHealth interventions for self-harm. Objective This scoping review aims to identify mHealth interventions for self-harm within the literature, understand the types and features of interventions that have been developed and evaluated, highlight research findings around mHealth interventions for self-harm, and determine what outcomes are typically used to assess the efficacy of interventions. Methods A search was conducted using Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they described an mHealth intervention designed to have a direct (ie, if the intervention was designed for self-harm or for people who self-harm) or indirect (ie, if self-harm was measured as an outcome) treatment effect and if the paper was available in English. There were no exclusion criteria based on the study design. Results A total of 36 papers were included in the review, and most of them were randomized controlled trials published within the last 4 years. The interventions were mostly smartphone apps and calling or texting services, with 62% (21/34) having underlying therapeutic models to inform the intervention content. They were generally shown to be promising and appealing, but only 5 were widely available for use. Outcomes focused on a reduction of self-harm and suicidality, mood, and the users’ experiences of the intervention. Samples were typically nondiverse, and there was limited variety in the study designs and in the measurements of self-harm recovery. Conclusions Promising and appealing mHealth interventions have been developed but are not widely available. Research could benefit from greater diversity as well as a broader and more nuanced understanding of recovery from self-harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Cliffe
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Tingley
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Isobel Greenhalgh
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Stallard
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.,Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Warrender D, Bain H, Murray I, Kennedy C. Perspectives of crisis intervention for people diagnosed with "borderline personality disorder": An integrative review. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2021; 28:208-236. [PMID: 32367638 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: People diagnosed with "BPD" often experience crisis and use services "BPD" is a controversial diagnosis, and the experience of crisis and crisis intervention is not well understood WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: People diagnosed with "BPD" have different experiences of crisis, and using the diagnosis alone as a basis for deciding care and treatment is not appropriate There are many human factors which can influence how professionals deliver care to people diagnosed with "BPD" WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The education of staff, views on responsibility, team conflicts and access to clinical supervision can have an impact on how care is delivered, and should be addressed by organizations providing crisis care. Access to care often occurs when a person is self-harming or suicidal, but does not address underlying distress. Crisis care should go beyond managing behaviour and address any underlying needs. ABSTRACT: Introduction "Borderline personality disorder" ("BPD") is associated with frequent use of crisis intervention services. However, no robust evidence base supports specific interventions, and people's experiences are not well understood. Aim To explore the experiences of stakeholders involved in the crisis care of people diagnosed with "BPD." Method Integrative review with nine databases searched January 2000 to November 2017. The search filtered 3,169 titles and abstracts with 46 full-text articles appraised and included. Results Four themes were constructed from thematic analysis: crisis as a recurrent multidimensional cycle, variations and dynamics impacting on crisis intervention, impact of interpersonal dynamics and communication on crisis, and balancing decision-making and responsibility in managing crisis. Discussion Crisis is a multidimensional subjective experience, which also contributes to distress for family carers and professionals. Crisis interventions had limited and subjective benefit. They are influenced by accessibility of services, different understandings of "BPD" and human dynamics in complex decision-making, and can be experienced as helpful or harmful. Implications for practice Subjectivity of crisis experiences shows limitations of the diagnostic model of "BPD," emphasizing that interventions should remain person-centred. While thresholds for intervention are often met after self-harm or suicidality, professionals should review approaches to care and support people with underlying distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Warrender
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Heather Bain
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ian Murray
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Catriona Kennedy
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hellmers N, Barkan S, Auerbach G, Hanineva A, Popa P, Sarva H, Henchcliffe C. Tablet-based patient educational interventions in care and management of complex movement disorders. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2021:1-8. [PMID: 33784918 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2021.1900934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient education is an essential part of management of complex, disabling neurological disorders. Mobile web-based educational materials provide a novel and potentially valuable means to communicate clinical information that can aid in both medical management and rehabilitation. AIMS We, therefore, evaluated an educational tablet-based intervention in three patient cohorts regarding the following topics: Parkinson's disease (PD) medications, dystonia and botulinum toxin treatment. METHODS A total of 50 subjects with PD, 32 with dystonia and 61 receiving botulinum toxin treatment for movement disorders or sialorrhoea were enrolled. Participants in each cohort completed a specific educational module at the time of their regularly scheduled clinic visit, comprising slides, in addition to pre- and post-module quizzes and a satisfaction survey. Additionally, participants in the dystonia and botulinum toxin modules were given a follow-up test at their 3- or 6-month clinical treatment visit. RESULTS There were 143 participants with 50 completing the PD module, 32 completing the dystonia module and 61 completing the botulinum toxin module. All three groups demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge of module content between their pre- and post-module test scores (PD: p=.0001, dystonia: p<.0001 and botulinum toxin: p=.008), and those who took the dystonia module maintained significant improvement at either a 3- or 6-month follow up compared to pre-module (p <.0001). CONCLUSIONS Tablet-based teaching modules are an effective means of communicating key concepts to patients. This study supports their use for improving patient understanding that can support lifelong approaches to managing disabling, neurological conditions.Implication for RehabilitationTablet-based modules are relatively easy to use for enhancing education during clinic visits and can possibly help reduce and maintain disability with chronic conditions like Parkinson's disease and dystonia.Improvements in post-test scores suggested that patient participants were able to retain information from the tablets about their complex and challenging conditions and treatments.Adding patients who are fluent in another language would have made this study more generalizable and future studies exploring educational interventions are warranted to help better tailor interventions to patients with chronic neurologic illnesses to help understand the complex aspects of their medical and rehabilitation therapy.The effect of cognitive changes in neurological conditions and understanding of educational information needs to be further tested.This positive result is especially meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person access to both medical and rehabilitative care has been curtailed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Hellmers
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samantha Barkan
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabrielle Auerbach
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aneliya Hanineva
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Popa
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harini Sarva
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Henchcliffe
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marciniak MA, Shanahan L, Rohde J, Schulz A, Wackerhagen C, Kobylińska D, Tuescher O, Binder H, Walter H, Kalisch R, Kleim B. Standalone Smartphone Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Ecological Momentary Interventions to Increase Mental Health: Narrative Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e19836. [PMID: 33180027 PMCID: PMC7691088 DOI: 10.2196/19836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of psychological interventions are delivered via smartphones with the aim of increasing the efficacy and effectiveness of these treatments and providing scalable access to interventions for improving mental health. Most of the scientifically tested apps are based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, which are considered the gold standard for the treatment of most mental health problems. OBJECTIVE This review investigates standalone smartphone-based ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) built on principles derived from CBT that aim to improve mental health. METHODS We searched the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and PubMed databases for peer-reviewed studies published between January 1, 2007, and January 15, 2020. We included studies focusing on standalone app-based approaches to improve mental health and their feasibility, efficacy, or effectiveness. Both within- and between-group designs and studies with both healthy and clinical samples were included. Blended interventions, for example, app-based treatments in combination with psychotherapy, were not included. Selected studies were evaluated in terms of their design, that is, choice of the control condition, sample characteristics, EMI content, EMI delivery characteristics, feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness. The latter was defined in terms of improvement in the primary outcomes used in the studies. RESULTS A total of 26 studies were selected. The results show that EMIs based on CBT principles can be successfully delivered, significantly increase well-being among users, and reduce mental health symptoms. Standalone EMIs were rated as helpful (mean 70.8%, SD 15.3; n=4 studies) and satisfying for users (mean 72.6%, SD 17.2; n=7 studies). CONCLUSIONS Study quality was heterogeneous, and feasibility was often not reported in the reviewed studies, thus limiting the conclusions that can be drawn from the existing data. Together, the studies show that EMIs may help increase mental health and thus support individuals in their daily lives. Such EMIs provide readily available, scalable, and evidence-based mental health support. These characteristics appear crucial in the context of a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic but may also help reduce personal and economic costs of mental health impairment beyond this situation or in the context of potential future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lilly Shanahan
- Jacobs Centre of Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Judith Rohde
- University of Zurich, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ava Schulz
- University of Zurich, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Harald Binder
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Birgit Kleim
- University of Zurich, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Köhne S, Schweiger U, Jacob GA, Braakmann D, Klein JP, Borgwardt S, Assmann N, Rogg M, Schaich A, Faßbinder E. Therapeutic Relationship in eHealth-A Pilot Study of Similarities and Differences between the Online Program Priovi and Therapists Treating Borderline Personality Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176436. [PMID: 32899432 PMCID: PMC7504280 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
eHealth programs have been found to be effective in treating many psychological conditions. Regarding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), few programs have been tested; nevertheless, results are promising. The therapeutic alliance is an important factor predicting treatment outcome in BPD. However, we do not know yet to what extent BPD patients form a therapeutic alliance with an eHealth tool and how this relationship differs from the relationship with their human therapist. This study aims to address this question using priovi, an interactive schema therapy-based eHealth tool for BPD. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore how patients perceived the therapeutic alliance with priovi and its differences compared to the alliance with their human therapist (N = 9). Interview data were analyzed following the procedures of qualitative content analysis. Additionally, the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-SR) was administered in two versions (regarding the human therapist and priovi, N = 16) every three months during the treatment phase of one year. Results indicate that patients were able to form a good therapeutic relationship with priovi, but it differed from the relationship to their human therapist. Important categories were “priovi is helpful, supportive and always there” and “priovi is less flexible”. WAI ratings for the task subscale were high in both relationships but significantly higher in WAItherapist compared to WAIpriovi in two measurements (nine-months measurement: t = 2.76, df = 15, p = 0.015; twelve-months measurement: t = 3.44, df = 15, p = 0.004). These results indicate that BPD patients can form a functioning alliance with an eHealth program and that eHealth programs may be especially useful for psychoeducation and cognitive exercises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Köhne
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ulrich Schweiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| | | | - Diana Braakmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Jan Philipp Klein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Stefan Borgwardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Nele Assmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Mirco Rogg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Anja Schaich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| | - Eva Faßbinder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (U.S.); (D.B.); (J.P.K.); (S.B.); (N.A.); (M.R.); (A.S.); (E.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Austin SF, Jansen JE, Petersen CJ, Jensen R, Simonsen E. Mobile App Integration Into Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Persons With Borderline Personality Disorder: Qualitative and Quantitative Study. JMIR Ment Health 2020; 7:e14913. [PMID: 32525488 PMCID: PMC7317633 DOI: 10.2196/14913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advancement of and access to technology such as smartphones has implications for psychotherapeutic health care and how interventions for a range of mental health disorders are provided. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of participants while using a mobile phone app that was designed to enhance and support dialectical behavior therapy for personality disorders. METHODS A combination of in-depth interviews and questionnaires were used to capture the experiences of participants who used the app while undergoing dialectical behavior therapy treatment. A mixed methods approach was used; qualitative data from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and were combined with quantitative data from the questionnaires. RESULTS Participants (N=24) who were receiving dialectical behavior therapy used the trial app. Participants (n=20) completed an evaluation questionnaire and a subset of this group (n=8) participated in semistructured interviews. Major themes that were identified from the interviews were (1) an overall positive experience of using the app-participants perceived that the app facilitated access and implementation of dialectical behavior therapy strategies (to regulate mood and behavior in challenging situations)-and (2) that the app provided a common source of information for patient and therapist interactions-app-based interactions were perceived to facilitate therapeutic alliance. Qualitative themes from the interviews were largely congruent with the quantitative responses from the questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS Participants welcomed the integration of technology as a supplement to clinical treatment. The app was perceived to facilitate and support many of the therapeutic techniques associated with dialectical behavior therapy treatment. The incorporation of technology into psychotherapeutic interventions may facilitate the transfer of knowledge and strategies that are learned in therapy to use in real-world settings thereby promoting recovery from mental health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Austin
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
| | | | | | - Rasmus Jensen
- Psychiatry West, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Holbaek, Denmark
| | - Erik Simonsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Psychiatric Research, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zamberg I, Windisch O, Agoritsas T, Nendaz M, Savoldelli G, Schiffer E. A Mobile Medical Knowledge Dissemination Platform (HeadToToe): Mixed Methods Study. JMIR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 6:e17729. [PMID: 32249758 PMCID: PMC7287749 DOI: 10.2196/17729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Finding readily accessible, high-quality medical references can be a challenging task. HeadToToe is a mobile platform designed to allow easy and quick access to sound, up-to-date, and validated medical knowledge and guidance. It provides easy access to essential clinical medical content in the form of documents, videos, clinical scores, and other formats for the day-to-day access and use by medical students and physicians during their pre- and postgraduate education. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to describe the architecture, user interface, and potential strengths and limitations of an innovative knowledge dissemination platform developed at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. We also report preliminary results from a user-experience survey and usage statistics over a selected period. METHODS The dissemination platform consists of a smartphone app. Through an administration interface, content is managed by senior university and hospital staff. The app includes the following sections: (1) main section of medical guidance, organized by clinical field; (2) checklists for history-taking and clinical examination, organized by body systems; (3) laboratory section with frequently used lab values; and (4) favorites section. Each content item is programmed to be available for a given duration as defined by the content's author. Automatic notifications signal the author when the content is about to expire, hence, promoting its timely updating and reducing the risk of using obsolete content. In the background, a third-party statistical collecting tool records anonymous utilization statistics. RESULTS We launched the final version of the platform in March 2019, both at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva and at the University Hospital of Geneva in Switzerland. A total of 622 students at the university and 613 health professionals at the hospital downloaded the app. Two-thirds of users at both institutions had an iOS device. During the practical examination period (ie, May 2019) there was a significant increase in the number of active users (P=.003), user activity (P<.001), and daily usage time (P<.001) among medical students. In addition, there were 1086 clinical skills video views during this period compared to a total of 484 in the preceding months (ie, a 108% increase). On a 10-point Likert scale, students and physicians rated the app with mean scores of 8.2 (SD 1.9) for user experience, 8.1 (SD 2.0) for usefulness, and 8.5 (SD 1.8) for relevance of content. In parallel, postgraduate trainees viewed more than 6000 documents during the first 3 months after the implementation in the Division of Neurology at our institution. CONCLUSIONS HeadToToe is an educator-driven, mobile dissemination platform, which provides rapid and user-friendly access to up-to-date medical content and guidance. The platform was given high ratings for user experience, usefulness, and content quality and was used more often during the exam period. This suggests that the platform could be used as tool for exam preparation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ido Zamberg
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Windisch
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Agoritsas
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Nendaz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Georges Savoldelli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care, and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eduardo Schiffer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care, and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Miralles I, Granell C, Díaz-Sanahuja L, Van Woensel W, Bretón-López J, Mira A, Castilla D, Casteleyn S. Smartphone Apps for the Treatment of Mental Disorders: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e14897. [PMID: 32238332 PMCID: PMC7163422 DOI: 10.2196/14897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Smartphone apps are an increasingly popular means for delivering psychological interventions to patients suffering from a mental disorder. In line with this popularity, there is a need to analyze and summarize the state of the art, both from a psychological and technical perspective. Objective This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the use of smartphones for psychological interventions. Our systematic review has the following objectives: (1) analyze the coverage of mental disorders in research articles per year; (2) study the types of assessment in research articles per mental disorder per year; (3) map the use of advanced technical features, such as sensors, and novel software features, such as personalization and social media, per mental disorder; (4) provide an overview of smartphone apps per mental disorder; and (5) provide an overview of the key characteristics of empirical assessments with rigorous designs (ie, randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. We performed searches in Scopus, Web of Science, American Psychological Association PsycNET, and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, covering a period of 6 years (2013-2018). We included papers that described the use of smartphone apps to deliver psychological interventions for known mental disorders. We formed multidisciplinary teams, comprising experts in psychology and computer science, to select and classify articles based on psychological and technical features. Results We found 158 articles that met the inclusion criteria. We observed an increasing interest in smartphone-based interventions over time. Most research targeted disorders with high prevalence, that is, depressive (31/158,19.6%) and anxiety disorders (18/158, 11.4%). Of the total, 72.7% (115/158) of the papers focused on six mental disorders: depression, anxiety, trauma and stressor-related, substance-related and addiction, schizophrenia spectrum, and other psychotic disorders, or a combination of disorders. More than half of known mental disorders were not or very scarcely (<3%) represented. An increasing number of studies were dedicated to assessing clinical effects, but RCTs were still a minority (25/158, 15.8%). From a technical viewpoint, interventions were leveraging the improved modalities (screen and sound) and interactivity of smartphones but only sparingly leveraged their truly novel capabilities, such as sensors, alternative delivery paradigms, and analytical methods. Conclusions There is a need for designing interventions for the full breadth of mental disorders, rather than primarily focusing on most prevalent disorders. We further contend that an increasingly systematic focus, that is, involving RCTs, is needed to improve the robustness and trustworthiness of assessments. Regarding technical aspects, we argue that further exploration and innovative use of the novel capabilities of smartphones are needed to fully realize their potential for the treatment of mental health disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Juana Bretón-López
- Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.,CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CIBERobn, Castellón, Spain
| | - Adriana Mira
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diana Castilla
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CIBERobn, Castellón, Spain.,Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Inal Y, Wake JD, Guribye F, Nordgreen T. Usability Evaluations of Mobile Mental Health Technologies: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e15337. [PMID: 31904579 PMCID: PMC6971511 DOI: 10.2196/15337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many mobile health (mHealth) apps for mental health have been made available in recent years. Although there is reason to be optimistic about their effect on improving health and increasing access to care, there is a call for more knowledge concerning how mHealth apps are used in practice. Objective This study aimed to review the literature on how usability is being addressed and measured in mHealth interventions for mental health problems. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review through a search for peer-reviewed studies published between 2001 and 2018 in the following electronic databases: EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently assessed all abstracts against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Results A total of 299 studies were initially identified based on the inclusion keywords. Following a review of the title, abstract, and full text, 42 studies were found that fulfilled the criteria, most of which evaluated usability with patients (n=29) and health care providers (n=11) as opposed to healthy users (n=8) and were directed at a wide variety of mental health problems (n=24). Half of the studies set out to evaluate usability (n=21), and the remainder focused on feasibility (n=10) or acceptability (n=10). Regarding the maturity of the evaluated systems, most were either prototypes or previously tested versions of the technology, and the studies included few accounts of sketching and participatory design processes. The most common reason referred to for developing mobile mental health apps was the availability of mobile devices to users, their popularity, and how people in general became accustomed to using them for various purposes. Conclusions This study provides a detailed account of how evidence of usability of mHealth apps is gathered in the form of usability evaluations from the perspective of computer science and human-computer interaction, including how users feature in the evaluation, how the study objectives and outcomes are stated, which research methods and techniques are used, and what the notion of mobility features is for mHealth apps. Most studies described their methods as trials, gathered data from a small sample size, and carried out a summative evaluation using a single questionnaire, which indicates that usability evaluation was not the main focus. As many studies described using an adapted version of a standard usability questionnaire, there may be a need for developing a standardized mHealth usability questionnaire.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Inal
- Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Frode Guribye
- Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tine Nordgreen
- Psychiatric Division, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Frías Á, Solves L, Navarro S, Palma C, Farriols N, Aliaga F, Hernández M, Antón M, Riera A. Technology-Based Psychosocial Interventions for People with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Scoping Review of the Literature. Psychopathology 2020; 53:254-263. [PMID: 33166964 DOI: 10.1159/000511349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based psychosocial interventions for borderline personality disorder (BPD) still face multiple challenges regarding treatment accessibility, adherence, duration, and economic costs. Over the last decade, technology has addressed these concerns from different disciplines. The current scoping review aimed to delineate novel and ongoing clinical research on technology-based psychosocial interventions for patients with BPD. Online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar) were searched up to June 2020. Technology-based psychosocial treatments included innovative communication (eHealth) and computational (e.g., artificial intelligence), computing (e.g., computer-based), or medical (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI]) software. Clinical research encompassed any testing stage (e.g., feasibility, efficacy). Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The main findings were the following: almost two-thirds of the studies (9/15) tested software explicitly conceived as adjunctive interventions to conventional therapy; nearly half of the studies (7/15) were referred to as dialectical behavior therapy-based software; most studies (13/15) were focused on the initial stage of the clinical research cycle (feasibility/acceptance/usability testing), reporting good results at this point; more than one-third of the studies (6/15) tested mobile apps; there is emerging evidence for Internet-based interventions and real-time fMRI biofeedback but only little evidence for mHealth interventions, virtual and augmented reality, and computer-based interventions; there was no computational technology-based clinical research; and there was no satisfaction/preference, security/safety, or efficiency testing for any software. Taken together, the results suggest that there is a growing but still incipient amount of technology-based psychosocial interventions for BPD supported by some kind of clinical evidence. The limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Frías
- Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i de l'Esport Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Barcelona, Spain, .,Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain,
| | - Laia Solves
- Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i de l'Esport Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Barcelona, Spain.,Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Sara Navarro
- Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i de l'Esport Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Barcelona, Spain.,Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Carol Palma
- Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i de l'Esport Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Barcelona, Spain.,Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Núria Farriols
- Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i de l'Esport Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Barcelona, Spain.,Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Ferrán Aliaga
- Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l'Educació i de l'Esport Blanquerna, University of Ramon-Llull, Barcelona, Spain.,Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Mònica Hernández
- Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Meritxell Antón
- Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Aloma Riera
- Adult Outpatient Mental Health Center, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Hospital of Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ilagan GS, Iliakis EA, Wilks CR, Vahia IV, Choi-Kain LW. Smartphone applications targeting borderline personality disorder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2020; 7:12. [PMID: 32549987 PMCID: PMC7296633 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-020-00127-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone applications could improve symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in a scalable and resource-efficient manner in the context limited access to specialized care. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of applications designed as treatment interventions for adults with symptoms such as anger, suicidality, or self-harm that commonly occur in BPD. DATA SOURCES Search terms for BPD symptoms, smartphone applications, and treatment interventions were combined on PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO from database inception to December 2019. STUDY SELECTION Controlled and uncontrolled studies of smartphone interventions for adult participants with symptoms such as anger, suicidality, or self-harm that commonly occur in BPD were included. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3 was used to compute between-groups effect sizes in controlled designs. The primary outcome was BPD-related symptoms such as anger, suicidality, and impulsivity; and the secondary outcome was general psychopathology. An average dropout rate across interventions was computed. Study quality, target audiences, therapeutic approach and targets, effectiveness, intended use, usability metrics, availability on market, and downloads were assessed qualitatively from the papers and through internet search. RESULTS Twelve studies of 10 applications were included, reporting data from 408 participants. Between-groups meta-analyses of RCTs revealed no significant effect of smartphone applications above and beyond in-person treatments or a waitlist on BPD symptoms (Hedges' g = - 0.066, 95% CI [-.257, .125]), nor on general psychopathology (Hedges' g = 0.305, 95% CI [- 0.14, 0.75]). Across the 12 trials, dropout rates ranged from 0 to 56.7% (M = 22.5, 95% CI [0.15, 0.46]). A majority of interventions studied targeted emotion dysregulation and behavioral dyscontrol symptoms. Half of the applications are commercially available. CONCLUSIONS The effects of smartphone interventions on symptoms of BPD are unclear and there is currently a lack of evidence for their effectiveness. More research is needed to build on these preliminary findings in BPD to investigate both positive and adverse effects of smartphone applications and identify the role these technologies may provide in expanding mental healthcare resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ipsit V Vahia
- McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478 USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Lois W Choi-Kain
- McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478 USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Iliakis EA, Sonley AKI, Ilagan GS, Choi-Kain LW. Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder: Is Supply Adequate to Meet Public Health Needs? Psychiatr Serv 2019; 70:772-781. [PMID: 31138059 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201900073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the supply of and demand for treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) to inform current standards of care and training in the context of available resources worldwide. METHODS The total supply of mental health professionals and mental health professionals certified in specialist evidence-based treatments for BPD was estimated for 22 countries by using data from publicly available sources and training programs. BPD prevalence and treatment-seeking rates were drawn from large-scale national epidemiological studies. Ratios of treatment-seeking patients to available providers were computed to assess whether current systems are able to meet demand. Training and certification requirements were summarized. RESULTS The ratio of treatment-seeking patients with BPD to mental health professionals (irrespective of professionals' interest or training in treating BPD) ranged from approximately 4:1 in Australia, the Netherlands, and Norway to 192:1 in Singapore. The ratio of treatment-seeking patients to clinicians certified in providing evidence-based care ranged from 49:1 in Norway to 148,215:1 in Mexico. Certification requirements differed by treatment and by country. CONCLUSIONS Shortages of both providers available to treat BPD and providers certified in specialist treatments of BPD exist in most of the 22 countries studied. In well-resourced countries, training clinicians to provide generalist or abbreviated treatments for BPD, in addition to specialist treatments, could help address the current implementation gap. More resource-efficient alternatives must be considered in countries with insufficient staff to implement even generalist treatments. Consideration of realistic allocation of care may shape future guidelines and standards of BPD treatments, beyond intensive evidence-based psychotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan A Iliakis
- Adult Borderline Center and Training Institute, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (Iliakis, Ilagan, Choi-Kain); Center for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto (Sonley); Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Choi-Kain)
| | - Anne K I Sonley
- Adult Borderline Center and Training Institute, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (Iliakis, Ilagan, Choi-Kain); Center for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto (Sonley); Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Choi-Kain)
| | - Gabrielle S Ilagan
- Adult Borderline Center and Training Institute, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (Iliakis, Ilagan, Choi-Kain); Center for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto (Sonley); Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Choi-Kain)
| | - Lois W Choi-Kain
- Adult Borderline Center and Training Institute, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts (Iliakis, Ilagan, Choi-Kain); Center for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto (Sonley); Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Choi-Kain)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pennou A, Lecomte T, Potvin S, Khazaal Y. Mobile Intervention for Individuals With Psychosis, Dual Disorders, and Their Common Comorbidities: A Literature Review. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:302. [PMID: 31130884 PMCID: PMC6510170 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 50% of people diagnosed with a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, will meet criteria for a substance use disorder in their lifetime. This dual disorder often starts during youth and leads to significant societal costs, including lower employability rates, more hospitalizations, and higher risk of homelessness and of suicide attempts when compared to those with a serious mental illness without substance misuse. Moreover, many individuals presenting with comorbid disorders also present with other psychological difficulties as well, such as personality disorders or anxiety and depression, also known as complex comorbid disorders. Transdiagnostic treatments that focus on core difficulties found in people with complex dual disorders, such as emotional regulation, are direly needed. Emotional regulation skills can help reduce distress related to psychotic symptoms and maintain abstinence in substance use disorders. New technologies in the field of communications have developed considerably over the past decade and have the potential to improve access to such treatments, a major problem in many health care settings. As such, this paper aims at: presenting core difficulties present in many individuals with dual disorders, reviewing the scientific literature pertaining to the use of mobile applications in mental health and addictions, and presenting the development and potential of a new application for emotional regulation for people with dual disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Pennou
- Schizophrenia and Psychoses Study Laboratory for Intervention and Recovery, Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Intervention Axis and Services & Neurobiology and Cognition, Mental Health University Institute of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tania Lecomte
- Schizophrenia and Psychoses Study Laboratory for Intervention and Recovery, Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Intervention Axis and Services & Neurobiology and Cognition, Mental Health University Institute of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Intervention Axis and Services & Neurobiology and Cognition, Mental Health University Institute of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yasser Khazaal
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Intervention Axis and Services & Neurobiology and Cognition, Mental Health University Institute of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jacob GA, Hauer A, Köhne S, Assmann N, Schaich A, Schweiger U, Fassbinder E. A Schema Therapy-Based eHealth Program for Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (priovi): Naturalistic Single-Arm Observational Study. JMIR Ment Health 2018; 5:e10983. [PMID: 30559092 PMCID: PMC6315264 DOI: 10.2196/10983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic health (eHealth) programs have been found to be effective in treating many psychological conditions. However, regarding borderline personality disorder (BPD), only a few eHealth programs have been tested, involving small interventions based on the dialectical behavior therapy treatment approach. We investigated priovi, a program based on the schema therapy (ST) approach. priovi is considerably more comprehensive than prior programs, offering broad psychoeducation content and many therapeutic exercises. OBJECTIVE We tested the acceptability and feasibility of priovi in 14 patients with BPD as an add-on to individual face-to-face ST. METHODS Patients received weekly individual ST and used priovi over a period of 12 months. We assessed BPD symptom severity using self-reported and interview-based measures. Qualitative interviews were conducted with both patients and therapists to assess their experiences with priovi. RESULTS BPD symptoms improved significantly (Cohen d=1.0). Overall, qualitative data showed that priovi was positively received by both patients and therapists. Some exercises provoked mild anxiety; however, no serious threat to safety was detected. CONCLUSIONS priovi is a potentially helpful and safe tool that could support individual ST. It needs to be further tested in a randomized controlled study. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00011538; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00011538 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74jb0AgV8).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gitta Anne Jacob
- GAIA AG, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Köhne
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nele Assmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anja Schaich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schweiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Eva Fassbinder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Prada P, Perroud N, Rüfenacht E, Nicastro R. Strategies to Deal With Suicide and Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Borderline Personality Disorder, the Case of DBT. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2595. [PMID: 30619004 PMCID: PMC6304419 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most problematic aspects of borderline personality disorder resides in repeated non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts. These behaviors constitute the prime therapeutic target and a factor that complicates patient care, namely in terms of therapeutic continuity. It has been demonstrated that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is efficient in reducing the symptomatology of this disorder, as well as NSSI and suicide. DBT is a multi-component psychotherapeutic treatment, and the effectiveness of its individual constituents is therefore a relevant question. Studies comparing its various components (individual therapy, group therapy, and standard DBT) have not revealed any marked difference between them, other than a tendency toward improved patient retention rates in the standard version of the treatment. The aim of this study is to review the various components of DBT and their constituent parts, in order to highlight the importance of focusing on self-harm behaviors within the therapy as a whole. Although therapeutic strategies may differ and target directly suicide or NSSI, managing the quality of life, and the persistence of the therapeutic alliance (and of the interpersonal alliance) is equally important in terms of treatment efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paco Prada
- TRE Unit, Division of Psychiatric Specialties, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nader Perroud
- TRE Unit, Division of Psychiatric Specialties, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva Rüfenacht
- TRE Unit, Division of Psychiatric Specialties, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rosetta Nicastro
- TRE Unit, Division of Psychiatric Specialties, Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Reducing procrastination using a smartphone-based treatment program: A randomized controlled pilot study. Internet Interv 2017; 12:83-90. [PMID: 30135772 PMCID: PMC6096330 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Procrastination affects a large number of individuals and is associated with significant mental health problems. Despite the deleterious consequences individuals afflicted with procrastination have to bear, there is a surprising paucity of well-researched treatments for procrastination. To fill this gap, this study evaluated the efficacy of an easy-to-use smartphone-based treatment for procrastination. METHOD N = 31 individuals with heightened procrastination scores were randomly assigned to a blended smartphone-based intervention including two brief group counseling sessions and 14 days of training with the mindtastic procrastination app (MT-PRO), or to a waitlist condition. MT-PRO fosters the approach of functional and the avoidance of dysfunctional behavior by systematically utilizing techniques derived from cognitive bias modification approaches, gamification principles, and operant conditioning. Primary outcome was the course of procrastination symptom severity as assessed with the General Procrastination Questionnaire. RESULTS Participating in the smartphone-based treatment was associated with a significantly greater reduction of procrastination than was participating in the control condition (η2 = .15). CONCLUSION A smartphone-based intervention may be an effective treatment for procrastination. Future research should use larger samples and directly compare the efficacy of smartphone-based interventions and traditional interventions for procrastination.
Collapse
|