Safety and Privacy Outcomes from a Moderated Online Social Therapy for Young People with First-Episode Psychosis

Psychiatric Services 65:546–550, 2014; doi: 10.1176/ appi.ps.201300078

5 Pages Posted: 2 Feb 2015

See all articles by John Gleeson

John Gleeson

Australian Catholic University (ACU) - School of Psychology

Reeva Lederman

University of Melbourne - School of Computing and Information Systems

Gregory Wadley

University of Melbourne

Patrick D. McGorry

University of Melbourne - Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health

Mario Alvarez-Jimenez

University of Melbourne - Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health

Date Written: February 2, 2014

Abstract

Objective: Internet-based treatments for early psychosis offer considerable promise, but safety and security need to be established. This study pilot tested Horyzons, a novel online treatment application that integrates purpose-built moderated social networking with psychoeducation for recovery from early psychosis.

Methods: Safety, privacy,and security were evaluated during a one-month single-group trial with 20 young consumers recovering from early psychosis who were recruited in Melbourne, Australia. Known clinical risk factors informed the safety protocol. Safety, privacy, and security were evaluated with respect to relapse and self-harm, users’ perceptions of safety and privacy, and activity using Horyzons.

Results: No clinical or security problems with use of Horyzons were noted. Participants described feeling safe and trusting Horyzons.

Conclusions:Private moderated online social networking combined with psychoeducation was a safe and secure therapeutic environment for consumers recovering from a first episode of psychosis. Testing the intervention in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Suggested Citation

Gleeson, John and Lederman, Reeva and Wadley, Gregory and McGorry, Patrick D. and Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario, Safety and Privacy Outcomes from a Moderated Online Social Therapy for Young People with First-Episode Psychosis (February 2, 2014). Psychiatric Services 65:546–550, 2014; doi: 10.1176/ appi.ps.201300078, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2559041 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2559041

John Gleeson

Australian Catholic University (ACU) - School of Psychology ( email )

Victoria
Australia

Reeva Lederman (Contact Author)

University of Melbourne - School of Computing and Information Systems ( email )

Australia

Gregory Wadley

University of Melbourne ( email )

185 Pelham Street
Carlton, Victoria 3053
Australia

Patrick D. McGorry

University of Melbourne - Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health ( email )

Department of Management
Babel Building
Melbourne, 3010
Australia

Mario Alvarez-Jimenez

University of Melbourne - Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health ( email )

Melbourne
Australia

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