Internet-based Psychoeducation Research Articles

Internet-based psychoeducation and support programme for relatives of young people with early psychosis: results of the first German-language intervention.

International clinical guidelines recommend Family Interventions (FIs) especially for families of people at early stages of psychosis. The German S3 treatment guideline for schizophrenia gives FIs the highest level of clinical recommendation. However, some family relatives have limited access to these services due to health system constrains. Digital interventions have emerged as a solution to overcome this hindered access to evidence-based family interventions. The present pilot study evaluates the feasibility and potential efficacy of the first German moderated online psychoeducation and support programme (ePSP) for relatives of people with early psychosis, with the additional purpose to improve accessibility and reduce waiting times. A pre-post study was performed. A brief recruitment period was pre-established (10 weeks) to test potential improvement of regular therapy waiting times in Germany. A total of 25 relatives of people with early psychosis were recruited and received the 12-week moderated online intervention. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at post intervention. Acceptance of the intervention and the user's experience were also evaluated at post intervention. Recruitment, retention rates and qualitative data support the feasibility and acceptability of the ePSP. Significant positive effects of the interventions were found on key therapeutic targets, including both primary outcomes (i.e., perceived stress and beliefs about the illness). Twenty-one participants also completed the open-ended questions of the user experience questionnaire, which yielded three main themes: most important modules, difficulties in using the programme and ways to improve ePSP. These results provide preliminary efficacy estimates for a fully powered RCT to investigate superiority (or equipoise) effects of the ePSP in comparison to the routine face-to-face family therapy groups. This future RCT will also allow further exploration of ePSP to improve access to psychological therapy for relatives of young people with psychosis, also in relation to the new ground-breaking Digital Healthcare Act in Germany.

Internet technologies in the psychological rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases: literature review

The review includes an analysis of the literature sources PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and eLibrary databases for the last 5 years (20182022) and the current year 2023 concerning Internet technologies used in the psychological rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Several options for using the Internet in the psychological rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases are considered, including online resources for interactive information exchange and psychological support, Internet-based psychoeducation, online programs for improving psychological state, and remote psychocorrection. Modern Internet technologies are becoming increasingly important in patients with cardiovascular diseases, opening up new avenues for implementing psychological rehabilitation programs in cardiorehabilitation. Because of its accessibility and effectiveness in lowering anxiety and depressive symptoms, Internet programs based on cognitive behavioral psychotherapy are increasingly being used to improve the psychological state of patients with cardiovascular diseases. The use of Internet technologies in the psychological rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases helps patients adhere to cardiac rehabilitation. The results show the importance of incorporating Internet technologies into the psychological rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases and the need for further research to comprehensively study existing and developing new options for using the Internet in psychological rehabilitation.

The Effect of Internet-Based Psychoeducation on Decreasing Academic Cheating in High School Students

Academic cheating is an educational problem in Indonesia today. Almost every student in every educational institution commits fraud in the form of cheating, taking small notes on exams, copying, and pasting from the internet, and other cheating practices either by themselves or by friends. Therefore, there is a need for serious handling of this problem. One effort that can be made is to provide psychoeducation to students. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the provision of Internet-based psychoeducation can reduce instances of academic cheating, the effectiveness of various teacher monitoring methods, and the causes that lead to cheating. 11 students from four different regions participated in this experiment aged around 16-18 years. An online survey of students served as the instrument. Descriptive statistics are used for the analytical method. This study shows that engaging in online conversations about academic cheating can change participants' perceptions of this practice, thereby reducing their tolerance for it. The results of the average decrease between the pre-test and post-test were 91,818 and after psychoeducational interventions were 90,273, indicating that after engaging in online discussions, students were better able to understand and defend the central idea of the discussion that academic cheating is an unethical activity. Participants gain a deeper understanding of why any kind of academic cheating is wrong and how to prevent it. Therefore, it is important for all educators and parents to prevent and overcome academic fraud committed by students at school.Kecurangan akademik menjadi masalah pendidikan di Indonesia saat ini. Hampir setiap siswa di setiap lembaga pendidikan melakukan kecurangan dalam bentuk menyontek, membuat catatan kecil saat ujian, menyalin dan menempel dari internet, dan praktik menyontek lainnya baik oleh diri sendiri maupun teman. Oleh karena itu, perlu adanya penanganan yang serius mengenai permasalahan ini. Salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan memberikan psikoedukasi pada siswa. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah pemberian psikoedukasi berbasis internet dapat mengurangi contoh kecurangan akademik, efektivitas berbagai metode pemantauan guru, dan penyebab yang mengarah pada kecurangan. 11 siswa dari empat daerah berbeda berpartisipasi dalam eksperimen ini usia sekitar 16-18 tahun. Sebuah survei online siswa berfungsi sebagai instrumen. Statistik deskriptif digunakan untuk metode analisis. Studi ini menunjukkan bahwa terlibat dalam percakapan online tentang kecurangan akademik dapat mengubah persepsi peserta tentang praktik ini, sehingga mengurangi toleransi mereka terhadapnya. Hasil penurunan rata-rata antara pre-test dan post-test sebesar 91.818 dan sesudah intervensi psikoedukasi sebesar 90.273, sehingga menunjukkan bahwa setelah terlibat dalam diskusi online, siswa lebih mampu memahami dan mempertahankan ide sentral diskusi bahwa menyontek akademik adalah kegiatan yang tidak etis. Para peserta memperoleh pemahaman yang lebih dalam tentang mengapa segala jenis kecurangan akademik itu salah dan bagaimana mencegahnya. Oleh karena itu, penting bagi seluruh tenaga pendidik dan orang tua untuk mencegah dan mengatasi adanya kecurangan akademik yang dilakukan oleh siswa di sekolah.

Cost-Utility and Cost-effectiveness of MoodSwings 2.0, an Internet-Based Self-management Program for Bipolar Disorder: Economic Evaluation Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Internet-delivered psychosocial interventions can overcome barriers to face-to-face psychosocial care, but limited evidence supports their cost-effectiveness for people with bipolar disorders (BDs). This study aimed to conduct within-trial cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses of an internet-based intervention for people with BD, MoodSwings 2.0, from an Australian health sector perspective. MoodSwings 2.0 included an economic evaluation alongside an international, parallel, and individually stratified randomized controlled trial comparing an internet-based discussion forum (control; group 1), a discussion forum plus internet-based psychoeducation (group 2), and a discussion forum plus psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral tools (group 3). The trial enrolled adults (aged 21 to 65 years) with a diagnosis of BD assessed by telephone using a structured clinical interview. Health sector costs included intervention delivery and additional health care resources used by participants over the 12-month trial follow-up. Outcomes included depression symptoms measured by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS; the trial primary outcome) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) calculated using the short-form 6-dimension instrument derived from the 12-item version of the short-form health survey. Average incremental cost-effectiveness (cost per MADRS score) and cost-utility (cost per QALY) ratios were calculated using estimated mean differences between intervention and control groups from linear mixed effects models in the base case. In total, 304 participants were randomized. Average health sector cost was lowest for group 2 (Aus $9431, SD Aus $8540; Aus $1=US $0.7058) compared with the control group (Aus $15,175, SD Aus $17,206) and group 3 (Aus $15,518, SD Aus $30,523), but none was statistically significantly different. The average QALYs were not significantly different among the groups (group 1: 0.627, SD 0.062; group 2: 0.618, SD 0.094; and group 3: 0.622, SD 0.087). The MADRS scores were previously shown to differ significantly between group 2 and the control group at all follow-up time points (P<.05). Group 2 was dominant (lower costs and greater effects) compared with the control group for average incremental cost per point decrease in MADRS score over 12 months (95% CI dominated to Aus $331). Average cost per point change in MADRS score for group 3 versus the control group was dominant (95% CI dominant to Aus $22,585). Group 2 was dominant (95% CI Aus $43,000 to dominant) over the control group based on lower average health sector cost and average QALY benefit of 0.012 (95% CI -0.009 to 0.033). Group 3, compared with the control group, had an average incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of dominant (95% CI dominated to Aus $19,978). Web-based psychoeducation through MoodSwings 2.0 has the potential to be a cost-effective intervention for people with BD. Additional research is needed to understand the lack of effectiveness for the addition of cognitive behavioral tools with the group 3 intervention.

Randomized Controlled Trials of Psychoeducation Modalities in the Management of Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review.

This review sought to summarize the extant literature on the efficacy of 4 modalities of psychoeducation (individual, group, family, internet- based) in the management of patients with bipolar disorder. We searched the digital databases (Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE) for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) pertaining to psychoeducation in bipolar disorder from inception to February 2017. Keywords and combinations used included psychoeducation, bipolar disorder, individual, family, group, and internet. Reference lists of review articles were also used for retrieval of relevant articles. We retrieved 48 studies and ultimately reviewed 40 RCTs meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were included if they were in English, were RCTs of different psychoeducation modalities managing patients with bipolar disorder, and used standardized assessment of outcomes of psychoeducation. We examined each of the selected publications for relevant data. The majority of psychoeducation RCTs (28 of 40 studies, 70.0%) focused on group and family psychoeducation, with positive benefits reported in clinical outcomes, treatment, and functioning measures. Group psychoeducation was associated with reduced illness recurrences, decreased number and duration of hospitalizations, increased time to illness relapse, better treatment adherence, higher therapeutic lithium levels, and reduced stigma. Family psychoeducation was associated with reductions in illness recurrence, hospitalization rates, and better illness trajectory as well as increased caregiver knowledge, skills, support, and sense of well-being and reduced caregiver burden. There are fewer RCTs on individual and internet-based psychoeducation, with findings being inconsistent or negative. Future studies may include direct comparisons of different psychoeducation modalities to elucidate specific benefits of unique psychoeducation interventions at different phases of bipolar disorder.

A randomized controlled trial of MoodSwings 2.0: An internet-based self-management program for bipolar disorder.

MoodSwings 2.0 is an online self-guided intervention for bipolar disorder that includes educational modules, interactive tools, and discussion forums. The primary aim of the study was to determine if participation in MoodSwings 2.0 would result in decreased symptoms of depression and mania compared to the control condition. Secondary aims were to identify improvements in core depression symptoms, quality of life, medication adherence, functioning, and time to relapse. This was a three-arm randomized controlled trial that compared two intervention arms against a peer support control group (forum). A total of 304 adults aged 21 to 65 years with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder were assigned to a forum-only control group (Group 1; n=102), a forum plus modules treatment group (Group 2; n=102), or a forum, modules, and tools treatment group (Group 3; n=100), in addition to usual care. There was a significant intervention impact showing improvement on the primary outcome of depression for Group 2 compared to Group 1 (P=.05) with effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranging from 0.17 to 0.43. There was also a significant intervention impact showing improvement on the secondary outcome of core depression for Group 2 (P=.02) and Group 3 (P=.05), but worse physical functioning for Group 3 (P=.01), compared to Group 1. This study provides evidence of the efficacy of internet-based psychoeducation interventions for bipolar disorder in reducing depressive symptoms. Further investigation is needed to assess effectiveness in a public program.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Web-Based Psychoeducation for Women With Borderline Personality Disorder.

To determine if internet-based psychoeducation for borderline personality disorder is effective in reducing symptom severity and improving psychosocial functioning. Eighty women who met DSM-IV criteria for borderline personality disorder were randomly assigned either to the internet-based psychoeducation treatment group (n = 40) or to the internet-based control group with no psychoeducation (n = 40). Recruitment was conducted from July 2013 to March 2015. Subjects participated in 15 assessment periods that were divided into an acute phase (weeks 1-12) and a maintenance phase (months 6, 9, and 12). Main outcomes were assessed using the Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder. In the acute phase, women in the treatment group were found to have a significant decline in their scores on all 10 outcomes studied, while women in the control group had a significant decline on 7 of these outcomes. Two between-group differences were found to be significant-those in the treatment group reported a significantly greater decline in their impulsivity (z = -1.98, P = .048) and a significantly greater increase in their psychosocial functioning (z = -1.97, P = .049) than those in the control group. In the maintenance phase, those in the treatment group were found to have a significant decline in their scores on 9 of the 10 outcomes studied, while those in the control group had a significant decline in 3 of these outcomes. In terms of between-group differences, those in the treatment group reported a significantly greater decline in all 5 studied areas of borderline psychopathology: affective symptoms (z = -2.31, P = .021), cognitive symptoms (z = -3.20, P = .001), impulsivity (z = -2.44, P = .015), interpersonal difficulties (z = -2.15, P = .032), and overall borderline personality disorder symptoms (z = -2.11, P = .035). Taken together, these results suggest that internet-based psychoeducation is an effective form of early treatment for reducing the symptom severity of borderline personality disorder for periods up to 1 year. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01719731.

Rationale and methods of the iFightDepression study: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of an internet-based self-management tool for moderate to mild depression

BackgroundDuring the last decade online interventions have emerged as a promising approach for patients with mild/moderate depressive symptoms, reaching at large populations and representing cost-effective alternatives. The main objective of this double-blind, randomized controlled trial is to examine the efficacy of an internet-based self-management tool (iFightDepression) for mild to moderate depression as an add-on to treatment as usual (TAU) versus internet-based psychoeducation plus TAU.MethodsA total of 310 participants with major depression disorder (MDD) will be recruited at four different mental-health facilities in Spain. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two study arms: iFightDepression (iFD) tool + TAU vs. internet-based psychoeducation + TAU. Both interventions last for 8 weeks and there is a 12 weeks follow up. The primary outcome measure is changes in depressive symptoms assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Additionally, pre-post interventions assessments will include socio-demographic data, a brief medical and clinical history and self-reported measures of depressive symptoms, quality of life, functional impairments and satisfaction with the iFD tool.DiscussioniFightDepression is an easy-prescribed tool that could increase the efficacy of conventional treatment and potentially reach untreated patients, shortening waiting lists to receive psychological treatment. Confirming the efficacy of the iFD internet-based self-management tool as an add-on treatment for individuals with mild to moderate depression will be clinically-relevant.Trial registrationRegistration number NCT02312583. Clinicaltrials.gov. December 4, 2014.

Development of a Guided Internet-based Psycho-education Intervention Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Self-Management for Individuals with Chronic Pain

Evidence-based chronic pain treatment includes nonpharmacologic therapies. When addressing barriers to treatment, there is a need to deliver these therapies in a way that is accessible to all individuals who may benefit. To develop a guided Internet-based intervention for individuals with chronic pain, program content and sequence of evidence-based treatments for chronic pain, traditionally delivered via in-person sessions, were identified to be adapted for Internet delivery. With consideration to historical barriers to treatment, and through use of a concept map, therapeutic components and educational material were situated, in an ordered sequence, into six modules. An Internet-based chronic pain intervention was constructed to improve access to evidence-based chronic pain therapies. Research using this intervention, in the form of a pilot study for intervention refinement, was conducted, and a large-scale study to assess effectiveness is necessary prior to implementation. As clients may face barriers to multimodal treatment for chronic pain, nurses could introduce components of education, cognitive behavioral therapy and self-management to clients and prepare them for the “work” of managing chronic pain, through use of this Internet-based intervention.

Internet Psychoeducation for Bipolar Affective Disorder: Basis for Preparation and First Experiences

There is growing evidence that patients with bipolar affective disorder (BAD), who use medication, respond well to further psychotherapeutic interventions. Internet-based psychoeducation is typically centered on the interaction between a client and therapist via the Internet. Multiple methods were required to investigate existing psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic strategies used on patients suffering from BAD. Systematic reviews and original reports of all trials of psychoeducation in BAD patients were retrieved. Patients with BAD, who were hospitalized in a psychiatric department or attended a day hospital program, were exposed to the first version of the program during the treatment, and then questioned about understandability, comprehensibility, and usefulness of each lecture. Twelve modules of the Internet E-Program for BAD were developed and the intervention was a pilot tested with twelve patients. Internet psychoeducation program for BAD is an intervention designed for universal implementation that addresses heightened learning needs of patients suffering from BAD. It is designed to promote confidence and reduce the number of episodes of the disorder by providing skills in monitoring warning signs, planning daily activities and practicing communication skills.

Internet-based psychoeducation for bipolar disorder: a qualitative analysis of feasibility, acceptability and impact

BackgroundIn a recent exploratory randomised trial we found that a novel, internet-based psychoeducation programme for bipolar disorder (Beating Bipolar) was relatively easy to deliver and had a modest effect on psychological quality of life. We sought to explore the experiences of participants with respect to feasibility, acceptability and impact of Beating Bipolar.MethodsParticipants were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis techniques were employed; to explore and describe participants’ experiences, the data were analysed for emerging themes which were identified and coded.ResultsThe programme was feasible to deliver and acceptable to participants where they felt comfortable using a computer. It was found to impact upon insight into illness, health behaviour, personal routines and positive attitudes towards medication. Many participants regarded the programme as likely to be most beneficial for those recently diagnosed.ConclusionsAn online psychoeducation package for bipolar disorder, such as Beating Bipolar, is feasible and acceptable to patients, has a positive impact on self-management behaviours and may be particularly suited to early intervention. Alternative (non-internet) formats should also be made available to patients.

Internet-Based Self-Help Training for Children and Adolescents with Recurrent Headache: A Pilot Study

AbstractWe report the results of a randomized controlled trial that compared the efficacy of an internet-based self-help treatment for paediatric headache including chat communication (cognitive-behavioural treatment, CBT) with an internet-based psychoeducation intervention (EDU). In the CBT group, significant pre- to post-treatment decreases were found for headache frequency and pain catastrophizing, but not for headache intensity or duration. In the EDU group none of the variables (frequency, intensity, duration, pain catastrophizing) showed improvement. No significant between group differences were found for headache variables and pain catastrophizing at post-treatment. The patients reported high satisfaction with the internet-based training and a good patient-trainer-alliance. Results were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Due to the small sample size, no general conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy of the internet-based training regarding the outcome variables, but the training was well accepted by patients. Further research is necessary to evaluate the therapeutic potential of such interventions.