COGITO (MCT) 4.1.443

COGITO is a self-help application designed to enhance mental well-being and self-esteem, catering to individuals with or without emotional challenges. Users can choose from various program packages tailored to address specific issues. For instance, one package focuses on gambling-related problems, while another targets those experiencing psychotic episodes, ideally used in conjunction with Metacognitive Training for Psychosis (MCT), available at no cost from uke.de/mct. It is essential to note that the app is not intended as a replacement for professional psychotherapy.

Scientific studies underline the app's effectiveness in addressing emotional problems and enhancing self-esteem (Lüdtke et al., 2018, Psychiatry Research; Bruhns et al., 2021, JMIR). The exercises incorporated within the application are founded on established techniques from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and Metacognitive Training (MCT), which aim to alleviate issues such as sadness and loneliness while improving impulse control. Users receive new exercises daily, each designed to be completed in just a few minutes, making them easily integrated into daily life. Optional push notifications can be set to remind users to engage with the exercises, supporting consistency in practice.

A distinctive feature of the app is the ability for users to create or modify exercises, facilitating a personalized experience. However, it should be acknowledged that the app does not incorporate a learning algorithm for adapting to individual user behavior.

Maintaining mental well-being can be likened to a daily dental hygiene routine; regular engagement with the exercises is necessary for them to become habitual and effectively shift one's mood. COGITO encourages users to commit to these self-help practices consistently to foster meaningful changes in their mental state. While gaining insight into a problem can be beneficial, merely understanding it often falls short of effecting lasting change—active participation and ongoing practice are key to deriving the greatest value from the app. The exercises are intentionally repeated over time, recognizing that sustained repetition is crucial for overcoming emotional difficulties.

Important note: This self-help app is not a substitute for psychotherapy and should solely be considered as a supplementary self-help tool. It is not suitable for addressing acute life crises or suicidal tendencies; professional help should be sought in such cases.

• This app requires access to your Photo Library if you wish to incorporate images into your exercises (optional feature).
• This app requires access to your Camera for including photos in your exercises (optional feature).