The potential of online platforms and mobile applications for treating and providing recovery support to young people experiencing mental ill-health was the subject of the keynote address delivered this week at the 11th International Conference in Early Intervention in Mental Health in Boston, US.
The address, given by Associate Professor Mario Alvarez-Jimenez, director of eOrygen at Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, provided an overview of technology platforms that have been developed by the Orygen team and tested for their effectiveness in providing treatment and recovery support to young people living with early psychosis, depression, borderline personality disorder and anxiety.
Associate Professor Alvarez-Jimenez said several studies had shown the technology industry develops products that are highly addictive, especially to vulnerable young people. “Social media often has a negative effect on young people’s body image and self-worth, and can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression,” he said. “We are learning from the technology industry and reverse engineering their products; flipping them around and creating platforms that work for vulnerable people and not against them.”
Pilot testing of the platforms has demonstrated that they are readily accepted by young people and their families and can engage users for up to 18 months.
“The platforms are based on the latest evidence and use strengths-based models to help young people overcomes problems they may be facing,” Associate Professor Alvarez-Jimenez said. “Users have access to peer workers, clinicians, vocational workers, and other young users; providing them with access to a safe and moderated environment 24/7.
“Our research has shown that harnessing the benefits of new technologies and combining them with evidence-based interventions can provide an amazing opportunity to improve mental health outcomes in young people.”