Text Message Based Maintenance Intervention

Evaluation of a Transdiagnostic Text Message Based Maintenance Intervention After Inpatient Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The study presents findings from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effects of text messages encouraging short emotion regulation exercises on the course of psychopathological symptoms after inpatient treatment for depression. In this context, the study also compares the effectiveness of standardized versus personalized text messages.

Introduction: The importance of aftercare and maintenance intervention to reduce psychopathology, prevent relapses and stabilize the effects of inpatient cognitive behavioral therapy is well proven. In order to attain a high reachability rate among the patients, simple, quick and low cost methods should be used. Modern communication technologies, such as mobile phones provide this opportunity. Therefore, the current study explores how modern communication technologies can be used as a support system in psychotherapy to realize a reduced psychopathology. Methods: A total of 150 patients participated in a transdiagnostical 6-weeks text messaging maintenance intervention. The text messages were based on emotion regulation skills. The effectiveness of different variants of the text messages was studied in a randomized controlled trial, comparing the impact on the patient's psychopathological outcome to receiving personalized text messages versus standardized text messages.

Messages consist of relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises as well as emotion regulation strategies

Messages consist of relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises as well as emotion regulation strategies which are send to the patients 10 weeks after completing inpatient therapy

Inclusion Criteria: good knowledge of the german language owning a mobile phone Exclusion Criteria: brain damage personality disorders