Pilot study of an online intervention for young people with a first psychotic episode: Thinkapp

Abstract

Introduction Online interventions can be a complement to maintain the long-term effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in First Episode Psychosis (FEP) that have already demonstrated their efficacy in the short and medium term (Calvo et al., 2015). Objectives To test the effectiveness of a mobile app–based intervention (Thinkapp) to improve quality of life, functioning and symptomatology, and reduce days of admission and hospitalizations, in young people with FEP. Methods Fourteen patients with FEP, aged 14–30, recruited from Gregorio Marañón Hospital, Ramón y Cajal Hospital and AMAFE Foundation in Madrid (Spain) received treatment as usual plus a psychoeducational intervention through a mobile app. Changes in dependent variables over the course of the intervention were assessed by means of a battery of clinical tests at baseline, 3-month and 6-month follow-up using a Wilcoxon test. Results Of the fourteen patients included, 7 patients completed the 6-month follow-up and 8 completed the 3-month follow-up. There were significant differences in days of admission (p = 0.042) between baseline and 6-month follow-up. No significant results were observed in other clinical variables. Conclusions The study provides preliminary data potentially related to the reduction of days of admissions. Disclosure No significant relationships.