A revolutionary mental health app, Actissist, developed by the University of Manchester, has received a significant boost.
With £1.6 million in research funding, the app is set to transform support for individuals experiencing early psychosis.
Revolutionary App for Psychosis Support
The University of Manchester has developed a groundbreaking mental health application known as Actissist. This app specifically targets individuals experiencing early psychosis, addressing challenges such as perceived criticism, cannabis use, and symptoms like auditory hallucinations. Its innovative approach offers a unique solution for those seeking assistance beyond traditional channels.
Led by Dr Sandra Bucci, a senior lecturer in Clinical Psychology, the initial trials of Actissist yielded promising results. Patients reported improvements in their mood and symptoms over time when using the app. This positive feedback reflects the app’s capability to effectively complement existing mental health services for psychosis.
Empowering Users Through Technology
When engaging with the Actissist app, users select specific aspects of their mental health to focus on, receiving tailored messages, tips, and videos to support their journey. This personalised approach promotes greater engagement and empowerment for users.
Actissist’s comprehensive suite of features includes interactive elements like diaries, mindfulness exercises, and graphical reports of psychotic experiences. These tools provide valuable insights, supporting users in managing their conditions with greater autonomy.
Proven Benefits from Initial Trials
In a 12-week trial, participants were encouraged to use the app consistently to observe changes in their symptoms.
The results were encouraging, indicating improvements in overall well-being and psychotic symptoms among users of Actissist.
Dr Bucci highlighted that 90% of participants would recommend the app to others. Access to such a tool offers individuals the freedom to seek help anywhere, anytime, contrary to conventional support methods.
Securing Substantial Research Funding
The significant sum of £1.6 million has been secured for further research, funded by the Medical Research Council. This investment underscores the potential impact of the app in transforming mental health care for those with psychosis.
The focus of the forthcoming research will expand on initial findings, aiming to fine-tune the app’s features and measure long-term effects on mental health outcomes.
Unique Features of Actissist
Users have access to a range of support materials, including factsheets, relaxation exercises, and direct links to useful websites to enhance their coping strategies.
The app’s comprehensive support system is designed to cater to the diverse needs of individuals with psychosis. By incorporating multimedia resources, Actissist addresses multiple aspects of mental health management, fostering a holistic approach.
With its graphical read-outs, users can visually track changes in their experiences, facilitating better personal understanding and communication with health professionals.
Dr. Bucci’s Vision for the Future
Dr. Bucci envisions a future where digital interventions like Actissist play a central role in mental health care. Her enthusiasm reflects a commitment to improving access to care through innovative means.
The plan is to integrate such technologies with traditional treatment options, offering a blended care approach that leverages the strengths of both methods.
Conclusion
The Actissist app represents a pivotal advancement in mental health technology. It exemplifies how digital solutions can complement traditional healthcare, offering flexibility and accessibility to users globally.
Actissist’s funding marks a significant step forward in mental health care, showcasing the potential of technology to enhance lives and improve outcomes.
