Online Motivation Intervention for Schizophrenia

(Online Mot Trial)

Overseen By Lauren Luther

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham

Disqualifiers: No computer access

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an online program, the Online Motivation Enhancing Intervention, can increase motivation and improve mood in people with schizophrenia. Participants will complete weekly sessions on a computer over 12 weeks, with each session lasting 20-30 minutes. The goal is to boost positive feelings and encourage goal-setting and action. This program suits individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or those at risk for psychosis, provided they have regular computer access. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health support.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this online intervention is safe for participants with schizophrenia?

Research shows that digital tools can be safe and helpful for people with schizophrenia. Studies on similar tools, such as mobile apps, have found they can boost motivation without causing harm. For instance, one study on a mobile app designed to increase motivation in young people with schizophrenia found it effective and well-received.

Moreover, reviews of digital health tools suggest that online mental health programs are as safe for people with schizophrenia as for those without mental health issues. This indicates that using the internet for these programs likely doesn't add extra risks.

Overall, while individual experiences may differ, current research supports the safety of online programs for people with schizophrenia. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Online Motivation Enhancing Intervention for schizophrenia because it offers a new approach by leveraging technology to boost patient motivation. Unlike traditional treatments, which often rely on medications like antipsychotics to manage symptoms, this intervention targets the psychological aspect of motivation directly through an online platform. This innovative method not only aims to enhance patient engagement and adherence to treatment but also provides accessibility and flexibility, allowing patients to participate from home. By potentially improving motivation, this intervention could lead to better overall management of schizophrenia symptoms and improved quality of life for patients.

What evidence suggests that this online motivation intervention is effective for schizophrenia?

This trial will evaluate an Online Motivation Enhancing Intervention designed for individuals with schizophrenia. Studies have shown that digital programs can improve health outcomes for people with this condition. One online program, called PRIME, was created to increase motivation in young people with schizophrenia and showed positive results. Research also suggests that digital tools supporting motivation and skills can enhance social interactions for these individuals. Specifically targeting motivation can lead to improvements in negative symptoms, such as lack of motivation and reduced emotional expression, which are common in schizophrenia. Overall, these early findings suggest that online motivation programs could be promising for boosting motivation and behavior in those with schizophrenia. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with schizophrenia or psychosis who are looking to improve their motivation. Participants will engage in a 12-week online program, dedicating 20-30 minutes per session each week.

Inclusion Criteria

Meeting criteria for being at clinical high risk for psychosis

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or a similar psychotic disorder.

Exclusion Criteria

Does not have access to a computer each week

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants complete an online intervention targeting improved mood and positive affect to support increases in motivation and goal-directed behavior

12 weeks

12 online sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in symptoms, mood, and behavior after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Online Motivation Enhancing Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests an online intervention designed to enhance mood and positive feelings, aiming to boost motivation and goal-oriented actions. Participants' symptoms, mood, and behavior will be evaluated before and after the program.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Online Motivation Focused Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,677

Recruited

2,458,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11898269/

A Systematic Review on Digitally-Delivered Interventions - PMC ... effective in improving clinical outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia and psychosis [3, 116]. Moreover, e-mental health could be particularly useful ...

2. mental.jmir.org mental.jmir.org/2021/6/e27475

Pre-Post Study of the Motivation and Skills Support App Keywords. schizophrenia; psychosis; social functioning; social skills; motivation; mHealth; smartphone ...

3. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/51/5/1402/7786573

Efficacy of User Self-Led and Human-Supported Digital Health ... Effects of online intervention ... Efficacy of PRIME, a mobile app intervention designed to improve motivation in young people with schizophrenia.

4. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.20220243

Combined Motivational Interviewing and CBT The results show that combining motivational interviewing with CBT yields improvements in negative symptoms, a feature of schizophrenia ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221478291930034X

Exploring individual- and intervention-level predictors In both psychosis and broader mental illness populations, interventions with some form of guidance or adjunct support have higher levels of engagement than ...

6. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/advance-article/doi/10.1093/schbul/sbaf134/8240860

Digital Therapeutics for People with Schizophrenia Spectrum ... ... intervention designed to improve motivation in young people with schizophrenia ... outcomes of mHealth interventions in psychosis ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920996414001479

Review Online, social media and mobile technologies for ... Emerging evidence indicates that the use of the Internet by people with psychosis resembles that of individuals not affected by mental illness (Haker et al., ...

8. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2021/1/e24736/

Examining a Digital Health Approach for Advancing ... Efficacy of PRIME, a Mobile App Intervention Designed to Improve Motivation in Young People With Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2018 Aug 20 ...

9. humanfactors.jmir.org humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e67659/

Mobile Therapeutic Attention for Treatment-Resistant ... Efficacy of PRIME, a mobile app intervention designed to improve motivation in young people with schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull. Aug 20, 2018 ...