COGITO is a free self-help app for people with or without psychological problems (affected persons, treatment providers, students and relatives). You can select different program packages depending on the issues you want to work on. For example, one of the program packages is specifically designed for people with a gambling problem. Another program package is intended for people who have psychotic experiences (ideally, this program package should be used along with Metacognitive Training for Psychosis (MCT), available at no cost from uke.de/mct.
Two scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of the app on depressive symptoms and self-esteem (Lüdtke, Pult, Schröder, Moritz & Bücker, 2018, Psychiatry Research; Bruhns, Lüdtke, Moritz & Bücker, under review, JMIR mHealth uHealth). The self-help exercises used in the app are based on scientifically recognized techniques of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as well as Metacognitive Training (MCT) that reduce emotional problems such as sadness and loneliness and also improve problems with impulse control. Each day, you will receive new exercises. The exercises take just a few minutes and can easily be integrated into your everyday life. Up to two push messages will remind you to do the exercises regularly (optional feature). You will also be able to write your own exercises or to modify existing exercises. So, you can turn the app into your personal “guardian angel.” However, the app does not automatically adapt to the users behavior (a learning algorithm has not been included).
Taking care of your personal psychological well-being is a bit like brushing your teeth: you have to do the exercises regularly so that they become routine and change your mood. Therefore, the app tries to support you in carrying out the self-help exercises as regularly as possible so that they become second nature and change your mental state. Reading about and understanding a problem are helpful but not sufficient and usually do not lead to any lasting changes. You will benefit the most from the app if you actively participate and practice continuously! The exercises are repeated over time. This is good! Only through regular repetition is it possible to overcome difficulties permanently.
Important note: The self-help app cannot replace psychotherapy and is intended solely as a self-help approach. The self-help app is not an appropriate treatment for acute life crises or suicidal tendencies. In the event of an acute crisis, please seek professional help.