Momentary assessment research in psychosis.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

• Growing interest in studying psychosis within daily life contexts.
• Experience sampling method (ESM) offers a valuable addition to traditional research strategies.
• ESM research in psychosis is feasible and valid.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review ESM research in psychosis, focusing on phenomenology, etiology, and psychological models.
• Explore the role of daily life experiences in psychosis.
• Investigate person-environment interactions in psychosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing experience sampling method (ESM) studies in psychosis.
• Analysis of ESM data focusing on symptom variability and environmental factors.
• Examination of phenomenological, etiological, and psychological aspects of psychosis via ESM.

Main Results:

• Temporal variability and environmental interplay are key to positive psychosis symptoms.
• Behavioral patterns and affect in daily life are crucial for understanding negative symptoms.
• ESM clarifies the link between psychotic experiences and environmental factors like stress and cannabis use.

Conclusions:

• ESM enhances understanding of psychosis, particularly symptom variability and person-environment interactions.
• Findings support new research into psychological models, treatments, and Gene x Environment interactions in psychosis.
• Daily life context is essential for a comprehensive study of psychosis.