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Development of a moderated online intervention to treat social anxiety in first-episode psychosis
McEnery, Carla Lim, Michelle H. Knowles, Ann Rice, Simon Gleeson, John Howell, Simmone Russon, Penni Miles, Chris D’Alfonso, Simon Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario
McEnery, Carla
Lim, Michelle H.
Knowles, Ann
Rice, Simon
Gleeson, John
Howell, Simmone
Russon, Penni
Miles, Chris
D’Alfonso, Simon
Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario
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
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Book
Volume
10
Issue
Page Range
1-12
Article Number
Article 581
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open