Feasibility study on a digital version of Good Psychiatric Management delivered in routine psychiatric care

Scalable, low-threshold interventions for personality disorders and personality difficulties (ICD-11) remain limited. We developed GPM-I, a guided digital self-help adaptation of Good Psychiatric Management, to deliver structured psychoeducation and support early change efforts. We conducted a naturalistic feasibility study in routine psychiatric care in Stockholm, Sweden. Feasibility outcomes included engagement and standard program completion (Modules 1–2) and optional advanced module uptake (Modules 3–6). Acceptability was assessed with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) and negative effects with the Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ). Weekly distress (CORE-10) was analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Of 131 patients offered access, 78 (59.5%) initiated the program by completing Module 1 (engagement threshold). Participants were 71.8% women; mean age was 35.2 years. Participants were categorized as having personality disorder ( n = 18), personality difficulties ( n = 22), or other diagnoses ( n = 38). Among initiators, standard program completion (Modules 1–2) was observed in 40/78 participants (51.3%), and 13/78 (16.7%) completed all available modules (Modules 1–6). CSQ-8 respondents (28/78, 35.9%) reported moderate satisfaction, with 85.7% rating overall satisfaction in the two highest categories, but completion of CSQ-8 and NEQ was low. Negative effects were reported by 25/27 NEQ respondents (92.6%), most often increased stress/pressure or emotional strain. CORE-10 decreased significantly over time with a small effect size. GPM-I showed moderate engagement and moderate acceptability among respondents, alongside generally mild-to-moderate negative effects. Findings support continued refinement of the procedures and can inform the design of a controlled trial. • A guided digital version of Good Psychiatric Management was evaluated. • Included patients with ICD-11 personality disorder and personality difficulty • Over half of invited patients initiated the program. • Acceptability was high and negative effects were uncommon. • Symptom change was modest and exploratory.