Audrey Francoeur

Bio: Audrey Francoeur is an academic researcher from Université de Montréal. The author has contributed to research in topics: Verbal memory & Metacognition. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 8 publications receiving 63 citations.

Mobile Apps for Mental Health Issues: Meta-Review of Meta-Analyses

Abstract: Background: Mental health apps have great potential to help people needing support to cope with distress or specific symptoms. In fact, there is an exponential increase in the number of mental health apps available on the internet, with less than 5% being actually studied. Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of the available evidence regarding the use of mental health apps and to summarize the results obtained so far. Methods: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were searched, specifically for mobile apps on mental health issues or symptoms, and rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Results: A total of 7 meta-analyses were carefully reviewed and rated. Although some meta-analyses looked at any mental health issue and analyzed the data together, these studies were of poorer quality and did not offer strong empirical support for the apps. Studies focusing specifically on anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms were of moderate to high quality and generally had small to medium effect sizes. Similarly, the effects of apps on stress and quality of life tended to offer small to medium effects and were of moderate to high quality. Studies looking at stand-alone apps had smaller effect sizes but better empirical quality than studies looking at apps with guidance. The studies that included follow-ups mostly found a sustained impact of the app at an 11-week follow-up. Conclusions: This meta-review revealed that apps for anxiety and depression hold great promise with clear clinical advantages, either as stand-alone self-management or as adjunctive treatments. More meta-analyses and more quality studies are needed to recommend apps for other mental health issues or for specific populations.

Predicting and preventing symptom onset and relapse in schizophrenia-A metareview of current empirical evidence.

Abstract: The stress-vulnerability-protective factors model is often used to explain the etiology and known risk and protective factors of initial psychotic symptoms and symptomatic relapses. Over the past 40 years since its initial conception, the model has evolved and gathered a plethora of evidence of varying quality for its different components. The objective of this metareview is to analyze the quality of the evidence and the effect sizes for each component of the model not previously reviewed. Recent meta-analyses covering each component of the model in relation to the onset of psychotic symptoms or symptomatic relapse in schizophrenia were reviewed with the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation system. Thirty-one meta-analyses were kept, from 3,044 papers reviewed. We did not add to previous metareviews in terms of obstetric/prenatal or genetic vulnerabilities. For stressors, moderate to strong research evidence was found for childhood adversity, cannabis, methamphetamine abuse, and expressed emotions as triggers of psychotic relapse or as linked to the onset of psychotic symptoms. For protective factors, moderate to strong evidence was found for antipsychotic medication in adults, family interventions, social skills training, as well as interventions focusing on recovery management skills. Poor evidence or no evidence (i.e., absence of meta-analyses) were found for the other components of the model. More rigorous studies and systematic reviews are needed in order to validate the various components of the model in regard to symptom onset and relapse. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Romantic relationships, sexuality, and psychotic disorders: A systematic review of recent findings.

Abstract: For individuals with a psychotic disorder, dating can present several challenges and lead many to be excluded from intimate relationships. These difficulties may stem from a number of factors, including impairments in social and sexual functioning. Although scientific interest in this topic is mounting, the last quantitative review of the literature dates back to 2003. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to collect, evaluate, and synthesize quantitative data from studies published in the last 15 years on romantic relationships and sexuality in the context of a psychotic disorder. Methods Articles were retrieved from PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases and were retained if they met the following inclusion criteria: (a) original research or meta-analysis, (b) complete or partial sample with a psychotic disorder diagnosis, (c) provision of quantitative data specific to the population of interest, and (d) studies focusing on romantic relationship and/or sexuality variables as correlates, predictors, mediators, or outcomes. Study quality was evaluated using PRISMA criteria. Results 43 studies were identified, 24 of which were categorized as obstacle-related (e.g., focusing on negative aspects of intimacy, such as risky behaviors) and 19 of which were deemed neutral or recovery-oriented (e.g., focusing on positive aspects of intimacy, such as marital functioning). Conclusions and implications for practice Results highlight a need for greater communication and assistance in the areas of intimacy and sexuality for persons with psychotic disorders. Better access to resources such as dating skills and couples therapy programs as well as more consumer-oriented research is needed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Group therapy via videoconferencing for individuals with early psychosis: A pilot study.

Abstract: Aim The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many mental health professionals to therapy via videoconferencing. Mostly individual teletherapy has been offered and studied, although group therapy is often offered in clinics. In fact, little is known regarding group therapy's acceptability, feasibility, and potential impact when offered via videoconferencing. Methods This pilot study offered group cognitive-behavioural therapy for psychosis via videoconferencing to 14 individuals with early psychosis either living in remote areas or confined during the pandemic. Results The rate of consenting to the study (79%) and actual participation rates were acceptable (18.5 sessions out of 24). Although some technological obstacles were encountered, solutions offered allowed the videoconferencing group to be considered feasible for most participants and therapists. Prepost results on symptoms and self-esteem were comparable to those of other studies using the same group treatment but in-person. Alliance scores seemed similar as well. Conclusions More studies are warranted on the efficacy of group therapy via videoconferencing. This pilot study does offer promising results, suggesting that a wider range of people with early psychosis can be reached and benefit from the advantages of receiving an evidence-based group intervention.

Metacognition Is Uniquely Related to Concurrent and Prospective Assessments of Negative Symptoms Independent of Verbal Memory in Serious Mental Illness.

Abstract: The inability to synthesize information into experience of self and others could be one significant cause of negative symptoms. To explore this possibility, we examined the relationships between baseline metacognition and concurrent and prospective negative symptoms controlling for verbal memory. The participants were 62 adults diagnosed with serious mental illness enrolled in outpatient treatment. Metacognition was measured with the Metacognitive Assessment Scale-Abbreviated, symptoms were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and verbal memory was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test. Significant correlations were found, indicating that poorer overall metacognition was associated with greater levels of negative symptoms assessed concurrently (r = 0.39) and 1 month later (r = 0.36). A significant relationship persisted after controlling for verbal memory and education. These findings support the idea that metacognitive deficits are related to negative symptoms and point to the potential of metacognitive interventions to positively influence negative symptoms.

Long covid-mechanisms, risk factors, and management.

Abstract: Since its emergence in Wuhan, China, covid-19 has spread and had a profound effect on the lives and health of people around the globe. As of 4 July 2021, more than 183 million confirmed cases of covid-19 had been recorded worldwide, and 3.97 million deaths. Recent evidence has shown that a range of persistent symptoms can remain long after the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this condition is now coined long covid by recognized research institutes. Studies have shown that long covid can affect the whole spectrum of people with covid-19, from those with very mild acute disease to the most severe forms. Like acute covid-19, long covid can involve multiple organs and can affect many systems including, but not limited to, the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems. The symptoms of long covid include fatigue, dyspnea, cardiac abnormalities, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, muscle pain, concentration problems, and headache. This review summarizes studies of the long term effects of covid-19 in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients and describes the persistent symptoms they endure. Risk factors for acute covid-19 and long covid and possible therapeutic options are also discussed.

Mobile phone-based interventions for mental health: A systematic meta-review of 14 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

Abstract: Mobile phone-based interventions have been proposed as a means for reducing the burden of disease associated with mental illness. While numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated this possibility, evidence remains unclear. We conducted a systematic meta-review of meta-analyses examining mobile phone-based interventions tested in randomized controlled trials. We synthesized results from 14 meta-analyses representing 145 randomized controlled trials and 47,940 participants. We identified 34 effect sizes representing unique pairings of participants, intervention, comparisons, and outcome (PICO) and graded the strength of the evidence as using umbrella review methodology. We failed to find convincing evidence of efficacy (i.e., n > 1000, p < 10-6, I2 < 50%, absence of publication bias); publication bias was rarely assessed for the representative effect sizes. Eight effect sizes provided highly suggestive evidence (i.e., n > 1000, p < 10-6), including smartphone interventions outperforming inactive controls on measures of psychological symptoms and quality of life (ds = 0.32 to 0.47) and text message-based interventions outperforming non-specific controls and active controls for smoking cessation (ds = 0.31 and 0.19, respectively). The magnitude of effects and strength of evidence tended to diminish as comparison conditions became more rigorous (i.e., inactive to active, non-specific to specific). Four effect sizes provided suggestive evidence, 14 effect sizes provided weak evidence, and eight effect sizes were non-significant. Despite substantial heterogeneity, no moderators were identified. Adverse effects were not reported. Taken together, results support the potential of mobile phone-based interventions and highlight key directions to guide providers, policy makers, clinical trialists, and meta-analysts working in this area.

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Gaming Your Mental Health: A Narrative Review on Mitigating Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Using Commercial Video Games.

Abstract: Globally, depression and anxiety are the two most prevalent mental health disorders They occur both acutely and chronically, with various symptoms commonly expressed subclinically The treatment gap and stigma associated with such mental health disorders are common issues encountered worldwide Given the economic and health care service burden of mental illnesses, there is a heightened demand for accessible and cost-effective methods that prevent occurrence of mental health illnesses and facilitate coping with mental health illnesses This demand has been exacerbated post the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent increase in incidence of mental health disorders To address these demands, a growing body of research is exploring alternative solutions to traditional mental health treatment methods Commercial video games have been shown to impart cognitive benefits to those playing regularly (ie, attention control, cognitive flexibility, and information processing) In this paper, we specifically focus on the mental health benefits associated with playing commercial video games to address symptoms of depression and anxiety In light of the current research, we conclude that commercial video games show great promise as inexpensive, readily accessible, internationally available, effective, and stigma-free resources for the mitigation of some mental health issues in the absence of, or in addition to, traditional therapeutic treatments