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Review
. 2025 Jan 16;15(1):80.
doi: 10.3390/brainsci15010080.

Digital Interventions for the Rehabilitation of First-Episode Psychosis: An Integrated Perspective

Annarita Vignapiano  1   2 , Francesco Monaco  1   2 , Ernesta Panarello  1 , Stefania Landi  1 , Benedetta Di Gruttola  1 , Raffaele Malvone  1 , Vassilis Martiadis  3 , Fabiola Raffone  3 , Alessandra Marenna  2 , Maria Pontillo  4 , Valeria Di Stefano  5 , Martina D'Angelo  5 , Luca Steardo Jr  5 , Giulio Corrivetti  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Digital Interventions for the Rehabilitation of First-Episode Psychosis: An Integrated Perspective

Annarita Vignapiano et al. Brain Sci. .

Abstract

Background: The integration of digital health technologies has transformed mental healthcare, particularly for young adults with First-Episode Psychosis (FEP). Digital interventions, such as telepsychiatry and mobile applications, address barriers like social stigma, restricted access to services, and the urgency of timely care.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and APA PsycINFO. Included studies focused on randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and open studies of digital interventions for FEP rehabilitation. Exclusion criteria included meta-analyses, reviews, and irrelevant studies.

Results: Smartphone applications like Horyzons-Canada facilitated peer support and symptom management, while tools such as My Journey 3 emphasized the need for better user engagement. Digital innovations, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and telepsychiatry, demonstrated improvements in recovery and treatment adherence.

Discussion: Digital interventions significantly enhance the accessibility and quality of FEP care, supporting functional recovery and patient engagement. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies, user engagement strategies, and advanced analytics to develop personalized, scalable solutions.

Keywords: digital device; first-episode psychosis; mental health technologies; mobile mental health apps.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA search process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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