EPI-MINN: Targeting Cognition and Motivation

"The Cognitive Training Module is designed to improve the speed and accuracy of auditory information processing while engaging working memory and cognitive control under conditions of close attention and reward. Exercises continuously adjust difficulty level to user performance to maintain an approximately 80% current performance rate. The goal is to increase the effectiveness by which salient stimuli engage and drive plastic changes in brain systems that in individuals with psychosis exhibit relatively poor temporal response.~The Social Cognition Training Module consists of exercises designed to ameliorate core deficits in social cognition expressed in schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders. The exercises apply principles of implicit learning to restore the brain's capacity to process and utilize socially-relevant information, and include training to improve affect perception, social cue perception, theory of mind, self-referential style, and emotion labeling and working memory."

The PRIME smartphone-based app is designed to be used for 12 weeks to enhance motivation in people with early psychosis. Participants work towards self-identified goals with the support of the virtual community of age-matched peers, as well as with motivation coaches. Participants discuss their interests and aspirations with each other and with their coach, and the coach sends daily individualized motivational messages. Coaches also provide tailored interventions to enhance motivation, and post daily discussion topics to the PRIME community to encourage interaction between members. Coaches will maintain close communication and feedback on progress with each individual's clinical team.

Participants will continue to receive treatment as usual at their early psychosis coordinated specialty care clinics. These clinics may follow the NAVIGATE model, as an example.