Enhancing social functioning in young people at Ultra High Risk (UHR) for psychosis: A pilot study of a novel strengths and mindfulness-based online social therapy

• Published in: Schizophrenia research 2018-12, Vol.202, p.369-377
• Main Authors: Alvarez-Jimenez, M., Gleeson, J.F., Bendall, S., Penn, D.L., Yung, A.R., Ryan, R.M., Eleftheriadis, D., D'Alfonso, S., Rice, S., Miles, C., Russon, P., Lederman, R., Chambers, R., Gonzalez-Blanch, C., Lim, M.H., Killackey, E., McGorry, P.D., Nelson, B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: At risk mental state; Functional recovery; Internet; Online
• ISSN: 0920-9964; 1573-2509
• DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.07.022

Psychological and pharmacological treatments have been shown to reduce rates of transition to psychosis in Ultra High Risk (UHR) young people. However, social functioning deficits have been unresponsive to current treatments. The study aims were to: i) describe the theoretical basis and therapeutic targets of a novel intervention targeting social functioning in UHR young people; and ii) examine its acceptability, safety and preliminary effect on social functioning. An international, multidisciplinary team developed a new intervention (MOMENTUM) to improve social functioning in UHR young people. MOMENTUM blends two novel approaches to social recovery: strengths and mindfulness-based intervention embedded within a social media environment, and application of the self-determination theory of motivation. The acceptability and safety of MOMENTUM were tested through a 2-month pilot study with 14 UHR participants. System usage was high, with over 70% of users being actively engaged over the trial. All participants reported a positive experience using MOMENTUM, considered it safe and would recommend it to others. 93% reported it to be helpful. There were large, reliable improvements in social functioning (d = 1.83, p