Development of a moderated online intervention to treat social anxiety in first-episode psychosis
Journal article
McEnery, Carla, Lim, Michelle H., Knowles, Ann, Rice, Simon, Gleeson, John, Howell, Simmone, Russon, Penni, Miles, Chris, D’Alfonso, Simon and Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario. (2019). Development of a moderated online intervention to treat social anxiety in first-episode psychosis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 10, p. 581. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00581
Authors | McEnery, Carla, Lim, Michelle H., Knowles, Ann, Rice, Simon, Gleeson, John, Howell, Simmone, Russon, Penni, Miles, Chris, D’Alfonso, Simon and Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario |
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Abstract | Background: It is well established that social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a significant clinical problem for individuals with a psychotic disorder. Comorbid social anxiety in individuals with psychosis has been associated with poorer premorbid functioning, increased depression, and a reduced quality of life. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is recommended for people with psychosis as a first-line psychological treatment; however, its focus and evaluation primarily revolves around reducing psychotic symptoms and not necessarily targeting comorbid social anxiety symptoms. We developed a novel online social cognitive behavioral intervention (entitled EMBRACE) specifically designed to treat social anxiety symptoms in first episode psychosis (FEP). Methods: The key clinical and engagement features of the intervention were established through integrating evidence-based material derived from 1) CBT-based treatment models for SAD, 2) relevant literature findings related to psychosis and its clinical correlates (e.g., shame, social rank, and its relationship with social anxiety and paranoia), 3) feedback from youth focus groups in order to inform a user-centered intervention design, and 4) a highly multidisciplinary collaborative development approach to design therapy comics. Results: A detailed description of the final version of the 12-week online social intervention to treat social anxiety in FEP is presented. Conclusion: The EMBRACE intervention was designed to provide young people with the necessary skills and confidence to overcome social anxiety within a supportive, safe online space. By design, it allows young people the opportunity to practice their newly learnt skills to connect with others and in doing so, learn to embrace their true authentic selves. |
Keywords | social anxiety; social phobia; psychosis; online psychosocial interventions; schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder |
Year | 2019 |
Journal | Frontiers in Psychiatry |
Journal citation | 10, p. 581 |
Publisher | Frontiers Research Foundation |
ISSN | 1664-0640 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00581 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85072724965 |
Open access | Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Page range | 1-12 |
Funder | National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 14 Aug 2019 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 23 Jul 2019 |
Deposited | 02 Jun 2021 |
Grant ID | NHMRC/1082934 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8w234/development-of-a-moderated-online-intervention-to-treat-social-anxiety-in-first-episode-psychosis
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Publisher's version
OA_McEnery_2019_Development_of_a_Moderated_Online_Intervention.pdf | |
License: CC BY 4.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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