Psychosis spectrum disorders (PSD) are characterized by impairment in reality testing, with patients often reporting hallucinations and / or delusional beliefs. A number of psychological therapies aim to increase individuals’ understanding of psychotic experiences and reduce associated distress, with many interventions developing online provision in recent years. Online interventions are beneficial as individuals can engage at a time and in a place to suit them. Flexible access and use of adaptive digital strategies can improve clinical engagement, which is important when in in-person therapy attendance can be poor in PSD. However, some people with PSD experience internet- and technology-related delusions of suspicion (ITDS), which was highlighted as a barrier to engagement via telehealth systems during the Coronavirus pandemic. ITDS will become more significant as automated technologies increasingly become part of daily life and health care provision.
This project will work with local patient and public involvement (PPI) partners with lived experience of PSD to understand engagement, trust and acceptability of digital systems. This knowledge will support the later development of online cognitive training for PSD.
The project aims to review literature related to PSD, delusions, and clinical engagement associated with internet- and technology-related services, and co-develop mixed-methods research investigating ITDS in PSD.
We will co-produce resources summarising the project findings, and make recommendations for researchers and clinicians relating to considering ITDS when working with people with PSD. Resources will include a short video (available on the School of Psychology’s YouTube Channel), brochure, Centre for Innovation in Mental Health blog and article published in The Psychologist.
Principal investigator: Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper
Co-investigators: Dr Mark Weal, Dr Ann-Marie Hughes, Dr Hayward Godwin