Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
04:19
A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
3.9K
A Web-Based Positive Psychology App for Patients With Bipolar Disorder: Development Study
Bart Geerling1,2, Saskia M Kelders1,3, Anja W M M Stevens2
1Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands.
JMIR Formative Research
|August 10, 2022
Summary
Positive psychology interventions (PPIs) show promise for improving quality of life in bipolar disorder (BD). A co-created app featuring PPIs was developed and pilot-tested, demonstrating user value and no adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BD) significantly impacts patients' quality of life and well-being.
- Existing interventions leave unmet needs, particularly in positive psychology domains.
- Limited research explores positive psychology interventions (PPIs) specifically for BD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand patient and professional opinions on web-based PPIs for BD.
- To develop and pilot-test a smartphone app delivering PPIs tailored for BD patients.
Main Methods:
- Co-creation and implementation-focused design principles were used.
- Focus groups, questionnaires, and prototyping informed app development.
- A pilot test evaluated the usability and effects of the PPI app.
Main Results:
- PPIs can address needs like hope, self-esteem, emotional expression, acceptance, and social connection.
- Patients noted potential risks of increased positive affect leading to mania; however, the pilot showed no adverse effects.
- The developed app with PPIs was moderately to highly valued by users.
Conclusions:
- User involvement facilitated the creation of an app addressing unmet needs in BD treatment.
- Consensus exists on the potential benefits of PPIs for BD patients.
- Further quantitative and qualitative studies are needed to evaluate PPI efficacy and mechanisms in BD.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bipolar Disorder
133
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
133
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
162
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
162
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
202
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
202
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
256
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
256
01:18Depression: Overview
326
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
326
01:05Long-term Depression
31.3K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
31.3K