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Aunjitsakul W, Jongbowonwiwat K, Lambe S, Freeman D, McLeod HJ, Gumley A. Exploring stigma, shame, and safety behaviours in social anxiety and paranoia amongst people diagnosed with schizophrenia. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39205504 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465824000225] [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: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety and paranoia are connected by a shared suspicion framework. Based on cognitive-behavioural approaches, there is evidence for treating social anxiety and psychosis. However, mechanisms underlying the relationship between social anxiety and paranoia remain unclear. AIMS To investigate mediators between social anxiety and paranoia in schizophrenia such as negative social appraisals (i.e. stigma or shame; Hypothesis 1), and safety behaviours (i.e. anxious avoidance or in situ safety behaviours; Hypothesis 2). METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted among Asian out-patients with schizophrenia (January-April 2020). Data on social anxiety, paranoia, depression, shame, stigma, anxious avoidance, and in situ behaviours were collected. Associations between social anxiety and paranoia were investigated using linear regressions. Mediation analysis via 10,000 bias-corrected bootstrap samples with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to test the indirect effects (ab) of mediators. RESULTS Participants (n=113, 59.3% male) with a mean age of 44.2 years were recruited. A linear relationship between social anxiety and paranoia was found. In multiple mediation analyses (co-varying for depression), stigma and shame (Hypothesis 1) did not show any significant indirect effects with ab=.004 (95%CI=-.013, .031) and -.003 (-.023, .017), respectively, whereas in situ behaviours (Hypothesis 2) showed a significant effect with ab=.110 (.038, .201) through the social anxiety-paranoia relationship. CONCLUSIONS Social anxiety and paranoia are positively correlated. In situ safety behaviours fully mediated the social anxiety and paranoia relationship. Targeted interventions focusing on safety behaviours could help reduce paranoia in psychosis. Symptom severity should be measured to help characterise the participants' characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warut Aunjitsakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kreuwan Jongbowonwiwat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Sinead Lambe
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hamish J McLeod
- School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrew Gumley
- School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Domínguez M, Sánchez-Balcells S, Vila-Badia R, Bergadà-Sánchez E, Vilaplana M, Ochoa S, Huerta-Ramos ME, Del Cacho N, Usall J, Peláez T, Coromina M. Perspective of patients with first-episode psychosis, their relatives, and mental health professionals on the design and usability of an app in clinical practice. Early Interv Psychiatry 2024; 18:355-365. [PMID: 37743354 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM Therapeutic non-compliance remains the main difficulty for people with psychotic disorders, standing around 50% in people with schizophrenia. Lack of treatment adherence, either partial or total, to medication has economic and clinical consequences. E-health technologies may be a promising therapeutic tool to improve adherence, with the subsequent reduction in clinical and economic burden. Our aims were to know the preferences on how technologies in mental health treatment should be for use in clinical practice, and to learn about the opinion and preferences on the use of technologies in mental health treatment from the perspectives of patients with FEP, their relatives, and mental health professionals. METHODS Forty-one patients with a diagnosis of first-episode psychosis (FEP), 18 relatives and 49 mental health professionals were included in the study. They completed an online survey related to the use, availability and user-skill of online platforms and apps created by a group of experts in psychosis and in the use of technologies. Data were summarized in frequencies, percentages, and means, and Chi-square tests were used to calculate differences between-groups. RESULTS An app directed to people with psychosis would be well received by users if it contains psychoeducational material, offers reminders for scheduled visits and treatment and allows online consultations. CONCLUSIONS Co-creating an app with users, their families and mental health professionals allows incorporating their preferences to increase its use, improve outpatient care and creating an app that is viable in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Domínguez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez-Balcells
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Regina Vila-Badia
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Esther Bergadà-Sánchez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Miriam Vilaplana
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Susana Ochoa
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Maria Elena Huerta-Ramos
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Nuria Del Cacho
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Judith Usall
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Trini Peláez
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Marta Coromina
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
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Cross S, Nicholas J, Mangelsdorf S, Valentine L, Baker S, McGorry P, Gleeson J, Alvarez-Jimenez M. Developing a Theory of Change for a Digital Youth Mental Health Service (Moderated Online Social Therapy): Mixed Methods Knowledge Synthesis Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e49846. [PMID: 37921858 PMCID: PMC10656668 DOI: 10.2196/49846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common challenges in the youth mental health system include low access, poor uptake, poor adherence, and limited overall effectiveness. Digital technologies offer promise, yet challenges in real-world integration and uptake persist. Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST) aims to overcome these problems by integrating a comprehensive digital platform into existing youth mental health services. Theory of change (ToC) frameworks can help articulate how and why complex interventions work and what conditions are required for success. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to create a ToC for MOST to explain how it works, why it works, who benefits and how, and what conditions are required for its success. METHODS We used a multimethod approach to construct a ToC for MOST. The synthesis aimed to assess the real-world impact of MOST, a digital platform designed to enhance face-to-face youth mental health services, and to guide its iterative refinement. Data were gathered from 2 completed and 4 ongoing randomized controlled trials, 11 pilot studies, and over 1000 co-design sessions using MOST. Additionally, published qualitative findings from diverse clinical contexts and a review of related digital mental health literature were included. The study culminated in an updated ToC framework informed by expert feedback. The final ToC was produced in both narrative and table form and captured components common in program logic and ToC frameworks. RESULTS The MOST ToC captured several assumptions about digital mental health adoption, including factors such as the readiness of young people and service providers to embrace digital platforms. External considerations included high service demand and a potential lack of infrastructure to support integration. Young people and service providers face several challenges and pain points MOST seeks to address, such as limited accessibility, high demand, poor engagement, and a lack of personalized support. Self-determination theory, transdiagnostic psychological treatment approaches, and evidence-based implementation theories and their associated mechanisms are drawn upon to frame the intervention components that make up the platform. Platform usage data are captured and linked to short-, medium-, and long-term intended outcomes, such as reductions in mental health symptoms, improvements in functioning and quality of life, reductions in hospital visits, and reduced overall mental health care costs. CONCLUSIONS The MOST ToC serves as a strategic framework for refining MOST over time. The creation of the ToC helped guide the development of therapeutic content personalization, user engagement enhancement, and clinician adoption through specialized implementation frameworks. While powerful, the ToC approach has its limitations, such as a lack of standardized methodology and the amount of resourcing required for its development. Nonetheless, it provides an invaluable roadmap for iterative development, evaluation, and scaling of MOST and offers a replicable model for other digital health interventions aiming for targeted, evidence-based impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Cross
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Nicholas
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shaminka Mangelsdorf
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lee Valentine
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Patrick McGorry
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Gleeson
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Maechling C, Yrondi A, Cambon A. Mobile health in the specific management of first-episode psychosis: a systematic literature review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1137644. [PMID: 37377474 PMCID: PMC10291100 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1137644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of mobile health methods in the management of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Method The participants are patients with FEP. The interventions are smartphone applications. The studies assess the preliminary efficacy of various types of application. Results One study found that monitoring symptoms minimized relapses, visits to A&E and hospital admissions, while one study showed a decrease in positive psychotic symptoms. One study found an improvement in anxiety symptoms and two studies noted an improvement in psychotic symptoms. One study demonstrated its efficacy in helping participants return to studying and employment and one study reported improved motivation. Conclusion The studies suggest that mobile applications have potential value in the management of young patients with FEP through the use of various assessment and intervention tools. This systematic review has several limitations due to the lack of randomized controlled studies available in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Maechling
- Pôle de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Yrondi
- Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, Centre Expert Dépression Résistante Fonda Mental, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, ToNIC Toulouse NeuroImaging Centre, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Amandine Cambon
- Programme d'intervention précoce RePeps, réseau Transition, Clinique Aufrery, Toulouse, France
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Toh G, Pearce E, Vines J, Ikhtabi S, Birken M, Pitman A, Johnson S. Digital interventions for subjective and objective social isolation among individuals with mental health conditions: a scoping review. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:331. [PMID: 35549899 PMCID: PMC9098213 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03889-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social isolation encompasses subjective and objective concepts. Both are associated with negative health consequences and are more prevalent among people with mental health problems than among the general population. To alleviate social isolation, digital interventions have potential as accessible alternatives or adjuncts to face-to-face interventions. This scoping review aimed to describe the types of digital interventions evaluated for feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness in alleviating social isolation among individuals with mental health problems, and to present an overview of the quantitative evidence yielded to inform future intervention design. METHODS We searched five electronic databases for quantitative and mixed methods studies published between January 2000 and July 2020. Studies were included if they evaluated digital interventions for individuals with mental health conditions, had subjective and/or objective social isolation as their primary outcome, or as one of their outcomes if no primary outcome was specified. Feasibility studies were included if feasibility outcomes were the primary outcomes and social isolation was among their secondary outcomes. A narrative synthesis was conducted to present our findings. The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (doi: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/CNX8A ). RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included for our review: 16 feasibility studies, seven single-group studies and nine effectiveness trials. There was great variation in the interventions, study designs and sample populations. Interventions included web-based programmes, phone-based programmes, blended interventions, socially assistive robots and virtual reality interventions. Many were feasibility studies, or otherwise not fully powered to detect an effect if one were present, thus preventing clear conclusions about clinical effectiveness. Satisfactory feasibility outcomes indicated potential for future trials to assess these interventions. CONCLUSION Our scoping review identified a range of digital approaches utilized to alleviate social isolation among individuals with mental health disorders. Conclusions regarding clinical effectiveness cannot be reached due to variability of approaches and lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. To make clear recommendations for digital social isolation interventions, future research needs to be based on rigorous methods and larger samples. Future studies should also focus on utilizing theory-driven approaches and improving existing approaches to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gigi Toh
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1W 7NF, UK.
| | - Eiluned Pearce
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1W 7NF, UK
| | - John Vines
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Crichton St, Newington, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah Ikhtabi
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1W 7NF, UK
| | - Mary Birken
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1W 7NF, UK
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1W 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington National Health Service Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1W 7NF, UK.
- Camden and Islington National Health Service Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, St Pancras Way, London, NW1 0PE, UK.
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Valentine L, McEnery C, O'Sullivan S, D'Alfonso S, Gleeson J, Bendall S, Alvarez-Jimenez M. Young people's experience of online therapy for first-episode psychosis: A qualitative study. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:155-172. [PMID: 34252267 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand how young people with first-episode psychosis experienced online therapy on a Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST) platform known as Horyzons. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 young people who had previously participated in Horyzons, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a long-term digital intervention for first-episode psychosis. Interviews were analysed using a phenomenological approach. RESULTS This study found that the online therapy experience for first-episode psychosis was idiosyncratic, taking on different meaning for different users. The relatively fixed therapeutic content led to experiences that included on-demand help-seeking, positive distraction, revision, generalization and translation, and normalization. We also found that although the experience of online therapy was motivating to some, it was overwhelming for others. CONCLUSIONS The self-directed and flexible nature of the Horyzons online therapy gave some young people a sense of welcomed control over their mental health journey, and others felt overwhelmed by the high level of choice. Feeling overwhelmed by the level of choice appeared to interrupt their engagement with the platform, and thus their overall ability to use the intervention meaningfully. We also found that on-demand help-seeking and positive distraction were two functions unique to young people through online therapy and may have been related to the significant reduction in the number of overall presentations by young people to emergency departments and a non-significant trend for lower hospitalizations due to psychosis in the intervention group of the Horyzons RCT. PRACTITIONER POINTS Young people used online therapy for on-demand support to help deal with distress. Young people used online therapy to distract themselves from distress in a positive way. Some young people valued the flexibility of online therapy, which increased their motivation to engage with it. Some young people were overwhelmed by the amount of choice available to them via online therapy, which decreased their motivation to engage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Valentine
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Carla McEnery
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shaunagh O'Sullivan
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon D'Alfonso
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John Gleeson
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Singh SP, Mohan M, Giacco D. Psychosocial interventions for people with a first episode psychosis: between tradition and innovation. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2021; 34:460-466. [PMID: 34282104 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Assessing recent evidence on psychosocial interventions for people with first episode psychosis (FEP). RECENT FINDINGS Family interventions (FI) reduce relapse rates, whilst cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) shows a moderate effect in improving positive psychotic symptoms. Vocational interventions (VI) appear to be worthy of implementation within early intervention for psychosis (EIP) teams, but it is still unclear what is the most cost-effective strategy for their delivery. Promising interventions, which need more careful evaluation, focus on substance misuse, physical health comorbidities, improvement of social participation, peer support and the potential of new technologies. SUMMARY The first five years after the onset of psychotic symptoms are a 'critical period' in which psychosocial interventions can be particularly influential in determining prognosis. Traditional EIP interventions have different effectiveness profiles, i.e., FI reduce relapse rates, CBT has a moderate effectiveness on overall and positive symptoms and VI can improve educational and employment-related functioning. Newer interventions show promise on important targets for FEP treatment but require higher-quality evaluations. Decisions on which interventions to implement within EIP teams should be informed by high-quality evidence, but difficult choices will have to be made based on costs, professionals and technologies available, and local priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaran P Singh
- Division of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Mohapradeep Mohan
- Division of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick
| | - Domenico Giacco
- Division of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Coventry, UK
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Sellars E, Pavarini G, Michelson D, Creswell C, Fazel M. Young people's advisory groups in health research: scoping review and mapping of practices. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:698-704. [PMID: 33208398 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people's advisory groups (YPAGs) for research are comprised of children or adolescents who work with researchers to shape different stages of the research process. Their involvement is expected to ensure studies better reflect the preferences and needs of targeted youth populations. However, despite their increasing use in health research, there is little systematic evidence on the methods and impacts associated with YPAGs. METHOD To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review of YPAGs in youth-focused health studies. We systematically searched MEDLINE for empirical studies in populations between 12 years and 18 years of age published in 2019. If a potential YPAG was identified, authors were contacted for additional information about the activities and level of involvement of the YPAG. FINDINGS Of all studies that collected primary data from persons aged 12-18 years, only 21 studies reported using youth advice during their research. This represents less than 1% of all published empirical child and adolescent studies. There was variation in the type of research activity undertaken by YPAGs and their level of involvement. Most studies involved YPAGs in co-production of research design and/or in dissemination activities. The majority of authors that responded were positive about the impact of YPAGs. INTERPRETATION Recommendations for consistent reporting of YPAG involvement in empirical studies include reporting on the match between YPAG and study populations, frequency/format of meetings, and the nature and level of involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Sellars
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Cathy Creswell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mina Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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McEnery C, Lim MH, Knowles A, Rice S, Gleeson J, Howell S, Russon P, Miles C, D'Alfonso S, Alvarez-Jimenez M. Social anxiety in young people with first-episode psychosis: Pilot study of the EMBRACE moderated online social intervention. Early Interv Psychiatry 2021; 15:76-86. [PMID: 31889431 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM We conducted a single-group pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and safety of a novel online intervention (entitled EMBRACE) that includes expert and peer moderation, therapeutic comics and social networking features. The cognitive-behavioural-based intervention was specifically designed to treat social anxiety as a primary treatment target in youth with first-episode psychosis (FEP). METHODS The 10 participants (17-26 years; Mage = 23 years) had a diagnosis of FEP and experienced significant levels of social anxiety as defined by exceeding a sub-threshold clinical score (>30) on the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). They had access to the EMBRACE intervention for 2 months. RESULTS In total, seven out of ten participants completed eight modules or more (total of 12 modules). All participants rated the intervention as positive and safe, and endorsed recommending it to others who experience social anxiety. Improvement in pre-post social anxiety symptoms, as measured via the SIAS (d = -1.70, P = .0005) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (d = -1.35, P = .002) were found. No statistically significant pre-post improvements were found for depressive or loneliness symptoms. CONCLUSION EMBRACE was shown to be a feasible, acceptable, and safe online intervention to specifically target social anxiety as a primary treatment concern in young people with FEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla McEnery
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle H Lim
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.,Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ann Knowles
- Department of Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Rice
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Gleeson
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simmone Howell
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penni Russon
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Miles
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon D'Alfonso
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Thibaudeau E, Raucher-Chéné D, Lecardeur L, Cellard C, Lepage M, Lecomte T. Les interventions psychosociales destinées aux personnes composant avec un premier épisode psychotique : une revue narrative et critique. SANTE MENTALE AU QUEBEC 2021. [DOI: 10.7202/1088184ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Nemoto T, Uchino T, Aikawa S, Matsuo S, Mamiya N, Shibasaki Y, Wada Y, Yamaguchi T, Katagiri N, Tsujino N, Usami T, Mizuno M. Impact of changes in social anxiety on social functioning and quality of life in outpatients with schizophrenia: A naturalistic longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 131:15-21. [PMID: 32911206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of comorbid social anxiety disorder among patients with schizophrenia is currently attracting attention, and symptoms of social anxiety are reportedly associated with various clinical features. However, the contribution of social anxiety to social functioning and quality of life (QOL) over time remains obscure. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of changes in social anxiety symptoms on social functioning and QOL among outpatients with schizophrenia. Of the 207 outpatients who were eligible at baseline, 118 patients agreed with and completed a follow-up investigation at least 1 year (695.8 days on average) after the baseline study. Stepwise multiple regressions examining the change in social functioning using demographic data and changes in clinical variables as explanatory variables demonstrated that the changes in social anxiety and general psychopathology contributed to the change in the Social Functioning Scale, while the changes in clinical severity and negative symptoms contributed to the change in the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Stepwise multiple regressions for the change in QOL demonstrated that the changes in social anxiety and depression contributed to the change in the World Health Organization QOL scale, Brief version, and the changes in social anxiety and positive symptoms contributed to the Subjective Well-being Under Neuroleptic Drug Treatment, Short Form. The results revealed that the changes in social anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with the change in functional outcome among patients with schizophrenia. Treatments targeting social anxiety seem to be key to achieving a full recovery in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nemoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takashi Uchino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Aikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Matsuo
- Medical Affairs, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Mamiya
- Medical Affairs, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yo Wada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiju Yamaguchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Katagiri
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohisa Tsujino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Usami
- Medical Affairs, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Mizuno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Alvarez-Jimenez M, Rice S, D'Alfonso S, Leicester S, Bendall S, Pryor I, Russon P, McEnery C, Santesteban-Echarri O, Da Costa G, Gilbertson T, Valentine L, Solves L, Ratheesh A, McGorry PD, Gleeson J. A Novel Multimodal Digital Service (Moderated Online Social Therapy+) for Help-Seeking Young People Experiencing Mental Ill-Health: Pilot Evaluation Within a National Youth E-Mental Health Service. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17155. [PMID: 32788151 PMCID: PMC7453330 DOI: 10.2196/17155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental ill-health is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Moreover, 75% of mental health conditions emerge between the ages of 12 and 25 years. Unfortunately, due to lack of resources and limited engagement with services, a majority of young people affected by mental ill-health do not access evidence-based support. To address this gap, our team has developed a multimodal, scalable digital mental health service (Enhanced Moderated Online Social Therapy [MOST+]) merging real-time, clinician-delivered web chat counseling; interactive user-directed online therapy; expert and peer moderation; and peer-to-peer social networking. Objective The primary aim of this study is to ascertain the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of MOST+. The secondary aims are to assess pre-post changes in clinical, psychosocial, and well-being outcomes and to explore the correlations between system use, perceived helpfulness, and secondary outcome variables. Methods Overall, 157 young people seeking help from a national youth e-mental health service were recruited over 5 weeks. MOST+ was active for 9 weeks. All participants had access to interactive online therapy and integrated web chat counseling. Additional access to peer-to-peer social networking was granted to 73 participants (46.5%) for whom it was deemed safe. The intervention was evaluated via an uncontrolled single-group study. Results Overall, 93 participants completed the follow-up assessment. Most participants had moderate (52/157, 33%) to severe (96/157, 61%) mental health conditions. All a priori feasibility, acceptability, and safety criteria were met. Participants provided mean scores of ≥3.5 (out of 5) on ease of use (mean 3.7, SD 1.1), relevancy (mean 3.9, SD 1.0), helpfulness (mean 3.5, SD 0.9), and overall experience (mean 3.9, SD 0.8). Moreover, 98% (91/93) of participants reported a positive experience using MOST+, 82% (70/93) reported that using MOST+ helped them feel better, 86% (76/93) felt more socially connected using it, and 92% (86/93) said they would recommend it to others. No serious adverse events or inappropriate use were detected, and 97% (90/93) of participants reported feeling safe. There were statistically significant improvements in 8 of the 11 secondary outcomes assessed: psychological distress (d=−0.39; P<.001), perceived stress (d=−0.44; P<.001), psychological well-being (d=0.51; P<.001), depression (d=−0.29; P<.001), loneliness (d=−0.23; P=.04), social support (d=0.30; P<.001), autonomy (d=0.36; P=.001), and self-competence (d=0.30; P<.001). There were significant correlations between system use, perceived helpfulness, and a number of secondary outcome variables. Conclusions MOST+ is a feasible, acceptable, and safe online clinical service for young people with mental ill-health. The high level of perceived helpfulness, the significant improvements in secondary outcomes, and the correlations between indicators of system use and secondary outcome variables provide initial support for the therapeutic potential of MOST+. MOST+ is a promising and scalable platform to deliver standalone e-mental health services as well as enhance the growing international network of face-to-face youth mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon D'Alfonso
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,The School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Leicester
- headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ingrid Pryor
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Penni Russon
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,School of Culture and Communications, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carla McEnery
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | | | - Gustavo Da Costa
- The School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lee Valentine
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Laia Solves
- Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital of Mataro, Mataro, Spain
| | - Aswin Ratheesh
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patrick D McGorry
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Gleeson
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia.,Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
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13
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Tremain H, McEnery C, Fletcher K, Murray G. The Therapeutic Alliance in Digital Mental Health Interventions for Serious Mental Illnesses: Narrative Review. JMIR Ment Health 2020; 7:e17204. [PMID: 32763881 PMCID: PMC7442952 DOI: 10.2196/17204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital mental health interventions offer unique advantages, and research indicates that these interventions are effective for a range of mental health concerns. Although these interventions are less established for individuals with serious mental illnesses, they demonstrate significant promise. A central consideration in traditional face-to-face therapies is the therapeutic alliance, whereas the nature of a digital therapeutic alliance and its relationship with outcomes requires further attention, particularly for individuals with serious mental illnesses. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to encourage further consideration and critical evaluation of the therapeutic alliance in digital mental health, specifically for individuals with serious mental illnesses. METHODS A narrative review was conducted by combining 3 main areas of the literature: the first examining the evidence for digital mental health interventions for serious mental illnesses, the second illuminating the nature and role of the therapeutic alliance in digital interventions, and the third surrounding practical considerations to enhance a digital therapeutic alliance. RESULTS Results indicated that a therapeutic alliance can be cultivated in digital interventions for those with serious mental illnesses, but that it may have unique, yet-to-be-confirmed characteristics in digital contexts. In addition, a therapeutic alliance appears to be less directly associated with outcomes in digital interventions than with those in face-to-face therapies. One possibility is that the digital therapeutic alliance is associated with increased engagement and adherence to digital interventions, through which it appears to influence outcomes. A number of design and implementation considerations may enhance the digital therapeutic alliance, including human support and technological features. CONCLUSIONS More research is required to further understand the nature and specific role of a therapeutic alliance in digital interventions for serious mental illnesses, particularly in informing their design. This review revealed several key research priorities to advance the therapeutic alliance in digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Tremain
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | | | - Kathryn Fletcher
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Greg Murray
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Youth mental health is a rapidly developing field with a focus on prevention, early identification, treatment innovation and service development. In this perspective piece, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on young people’s mental health. The psychosocial effects of COVID-19 disproportionately affect young people. Both immediate and longer-term factors through which young people are affected include social isolation, changes to the delivery of therapeutic services and almost complete loss of all structured occupations (school, work and training) within this population group. Longer-term mechanisms include the effects of the predicted recession on young people’s mental health. Opportunities within this crisis exist for service providers to scale up telehealth and digital services that may benefit service provision for young people’s mental health in the future.
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15
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Valentine L, McEnery C, O'Sullivan S, Gleeson J, Bendall S, Alvarez-Jimenez M. Young People's Experience of a Long-Term Social Media-Based Intervention for First-Episode Psychosis: Qualitative Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17570. [PMID: 32384056 PMCID: PMC7381038 DOI: 10.2196/17570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital mental health interventions present a unique opportunity to address the lack of social connection and loneliness experienced by young people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). The first generation of digital interventions, however, is associated with high attrition rates. Social media presents an opportunity to target this issue. A new generation of digital intervention has harnessed the popularity of social media to both promote engagement and foster social connectedness in youth mental health interventions. Despite their potential, little is known about how young people engage with, and experience, social media–based interventions as well as the optimal design, implementation, and management needed to ensure young people with psychosis receive benefit. Objective This study aimed to explore how young people engage with, and experience, a long-term social media–based mental health intervention designed to address social functioning in individuals with FEP. Methods This qualitative study was based on 12 interviews with young people who used Horyzons, a long-term social media–based mental health intervention, as part of a previous randomized controlled trial. A semistructured phenomenological interview guide with open-ended questions was used to explore young people’s subjective experience of the intervention. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results A total of 4 superordinate themes emerged during the analysis including (1) shared experience as the catalyst for a cocreated social space, (2) the power of peer support, (3) an upbeat environment, and (4) experiences that interrupt being in Horyzons. Conclusions We found that Horyzon’s therapeutic social network fostered a connection and an understanding among young people. It also aided in the creation of an embodied experience that afforded young people with FEP a sense of self-recognition and belonging over the long term. However, although we found that most young people had strong positive experiences of a social connection on Horyzons, we also found that they experienced significant barriers that could substantively interrupt their ability to use the platform. We found that social anxiety, paranoia, internalized stigma, lack of autonomy, and social protocol confusion interfered with young people’s usage of the platform. From a design perspective, digital interventions are flexible and thus equipped to begin addressing these implications by providing customizable and personalized treatment options that account for varying levels of social connection and psychological need that could otherwise interrupt young people’s usage of social media–based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Valentine
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carla McEnery
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Shaunagh O'Sullivan
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Gleeson
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Valentine L, McEnery C, D’Alfonso S, Phillips J, Bailey E, Alvarez-Jimenez M. Harnessing the Potential of Social Media to Develop the Next Generation of Digital Health Treatments in Youth Mental Health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40501-019-00184-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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