Inclusion of Individuals with Lived Experiences in the Development of a Digital Intervention Targeting the Positive Valence System for Co-Occurring Depression and Cannabis Use (Preprint)

Abstract

Existing interventions for co-occurring depression and cannabis use often do not treat both disorders simultaneously and can result in higher rates of symptom relapse. Traditional in-person interventions are often difficult to obtain due to financial and time limitations, which may further prevent individuals with co-occurring depression and cannabis use from receiving adequate treatment. Digital interventions can increase the scalability and accessibility for these individuals, but few digital interventions exist to treat both disorders simultaneously. Targeting transdiagnostic processes of these disorders with a digital intervention – specifically positive valence system dysfunction – may yield improved access and outcomes.

Recent research has highlighted a need for the inclusion of individuals with lived experiences to assist in the co-design of interventions to enhance scalability and relevance of an intervention. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to describe the process of eliciting feedback from individuals with elevated depressed symptoms and cannabis use and co-designing a digital intervention focused on improving positive valence system dysfunction in these disorders.

Ten individuals who endorsed moderate to severe depressive symptoms and regular cannabis use (2-3x/week) were recruited online via Meta ads. Using a mixed-methods approach, participants completed a one-hour qualitative interview over Zoom where they gave their feedback and suggestions for the development of a mental health app, based on an existing treatment targeting positive valence system dysfunction, for depressive symptoms and cannabis use. The qualitative approach allowed for a broader investigation of participants’ wants and needs regarding the engagement and scalability of the intervention, and the quantitative approach allowed for specific ratings of intervention content to be potentially included.

Participants perceived the 13 different content areas of the intervention focused on positive valence system dysfunction as overall helpful (M = 3.9 - 4.4) and interesting (M = 4.0 - 4.9) on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely). They gave qualitative feedback for increasing engagement in the app, including adding a social component, utilizing notifications, and being able to track their symptoms and progress over time.

The current study highlights the importance of including individuals with lived experiences in the development of interventions, including digital interventions. This inclusion resulted in valuable feedback and suggestions for improving the proposed digital intervention targeting the positive valence system to better match the wants and needs of individuals with depressive symptoms and cannabis use.