Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have demonstrated their usefulness for the application of psychological treatments. The last decade has been marked by smartphone-based psychological interventions. Peripheral devices and just-in-time interventions (JITI) make it possible to provide momentary ecological interventions and dynamically adapt the delivered intervention according to the patient’s context.
In vivo exposure (IVE), as a central feature of treatment for anxiety disorders (AD), presents limitations and barriers to its application. Some authors point out that it is ethically inappropriate and leads to more dropouts. Traditionally, guidelines for IVE sessions have included the support of a co-therapist or the presence of the therapist outside the consultation room. These measures may have potential costs, such as time and interference, and patients turn them into safety signals.
This project studies the efficacy of the Symptoms-JIT application during exposure therapy for ADs. Symptoms-JITI aims to promote the development and use of innovative technologies to improve the IVE component. It is a digital solution that adapts to the patient’s circumstances and needs and contributes to a concrete and innovative intervention during exposure therapy. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted.
An estimated 122 participants will be randomized to one of the following groups: 1) cognitive behavioral treatment with IVE and 2) cognitive behavioral treatment with IVE+Symptoms-JITI. Participants will be 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of AD (specific phobia, social anxiety, and agoraphobia). Both treatment conditions are expected to be equally effective in post-treatment assessments and maintain results over time. The Symptoms application is expected to be preferred by patients and IVE supported with this technology is expected to be rated as less aversive.
Reference: PID2022-140475OB-C21
Duration: 4 years (01/09/2023 to 31/08/2027).
Funding entity:
Ministry of Science and Innovation (co-financing FEDER FUNDS).
Knowledge Generation Projects. State Plan for Scientific-Technical Research and Innovation 2021-2023.
PI: Juana María Bretón López
Participating institutions:
- Universitat Jaume I
