An internet-based intervention for people with psychosis (EviBaS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

TY - JOUR

T1 - An internet-based intervention for people with psychosis (EviBaS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

AU - Rüegg, Nina

AU - Moritz, Steffen

AU - Berger, Thomas

AU - Lüdtke, Thies

AU - Westermann, Stefan

PY - 2018/4/13

Y1 - 2018/4/13

N2 - BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that internet-based self-help interventions are effective in reducing symptoms for a wide range of mental disorders. To date, online interventions treating psychotic disorders have been scarce, even though psychosis is among the most burdensome disorders worldwide. Furthermore, the implementation of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychosis in routine health care is challenging. Internet-based interventions could narrow this treatment gap. Thus, a comprehensive CBT-based online self-help intervention for people with psychosis has been developed. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the feasibility and efficacy of the intervention compared with a waiting list control group.METHODS: The intervention includes modules on delusion, voice hearing, social competence, mindfulness, and seven other domains. Participants are guided through the program by a personal moderator. Usage can be amended by an optional smartphone app. In this randomized controlled trial, participants are allocated to a waiting list or an intervention of eight weeks. Change in positive psychotic symptoms of both groups will be compared (primary outcome) and predictors of treatment effects will be assessed.DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this project is one of the first large-scale investigations of an internet-based intervention for people with psychosis. It may thus be a further step to broaden treatment options for people suffering from this disorder.TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02974400 (clinicaltrials.gov), date of registration: November 28th 2016.

AB - BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that internet-based self-help interventions are effective in reducing symptoms for a wide range of mental disorders. To date, online interventions treating psychotic disorders have been scarce, even though psychosis is among the most burdensome disorders worldwide. Furthermore, the implementation of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychosis in routine health care is challenging. Internet-based interventions could narrow this treatment gap. Thus, a comprehensive CBT-based online self-help intervention for people with psychosis has been developed. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the feasibility and efficacy of the intervention compared with a waiting list control group.METHODS: The intervention includes modules on delusion, voice hearing, social competence, mindfulness, and seven other domains. Participants are guided through the program by a personal moderator. Usage can be amended by an optional smartphone app. In this randomized controlled trial, participants are allocated to a waiting list or an intervention of eight weeks. Change in positive psychotic symptoms of both groups will be compared (primary outcome) and predictors of treatment effects will be assessed.DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this project is one of the first large-scale investigations of an internet-based intervention for people with psychosis. It may thus be a further step to broaden treatment options for people suffering from this disorder.TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02974400 (clinicaltrials.gov), date of registration: November 28th 2016.

KW - Journal Article

KW - Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

U2 - 10.1186/s12888-018-1644-8

DO - 10.1186/s12888-018-1644-8

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 29653532

VL - 18

SP - 102

JO - BMC PSYCHIATRY

JF - BMC PSYCHIATRY

SN - 1471-244X

IS - 1

ER -