Mobile health in the specific management of first-episode psychosis: a systematic literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of mobile health methods in the management of patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP).MethodThe participants are patients with FEP. The interventions are smartphone applications. The studies assess the preliminary efficacy of various types of application.ResultsOne study found that monitoring symptoms minimized relapses, visits to A & E and hospital admissions, while one study showed a decrease in positive psychotic symptoms. One study found an improvement in anxiety symptoms and two studies noted an improvement in psychotic symptoms. One study demonstrated its efficacy in helping participants return to studying and employment and one study reported improved motivation.ConclusionThe studies suggest that mobile applications have potential value in the management of young patients with FEP through the use of various assessment and intervention tools. This systematic review has several limitations due to the lack of randomized controlled studies available in the literature.

Automated summary

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of mobile health methods in managing patients with first-episode psychosis. The participants were patients with first-episode psychosis, and the interventions included smartphone applications. The studies assessed the preliminary efficacy of various types of applications. The results showed that mobile applications have potential value in managing young patients with first-episode psychosis, reducing relapses, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions through the use of various assessment and intervention tools.