Reduce depression with Smartphone apps

A study has confirmed that smartphone apps are an effective treatment option for depression. The way for safe and accessible interventions for the millions of people around the world diagnosed with this condition.

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Researchers from Australia"s National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM), Harvard Medical School, The University of Manchester, and the Black Dog Institute in Australia examined the efficacy of smartphone-based treatments for depression.

The researchers systematically reviewed 18 randomized controlled trials which examined a total of 22 different smartphone-delivered mental health interventions. The studies involved more than 3400 male and female participants between the ages of 18-59. A range of mental health symptoms and conditions including major depression, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and insomnia.

The first of its kind research, found that overall smartphone apps significantly reduced people"s depressive symptoms. Suggesting these new digital therapies can be useful for managing the condition.

Postdoctoral research fellow Joseph Firth NICM says this was an important finding which presented a new opportunity for providing accessible and affordable care for patients who might not otherwise have access to treatment. "The majority of people in developed countries own smartphones. Including younger people increasingly affected by depression," said Mr Firth.

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Moreover, combined with the rapid technological advances in this area. These devices may ultimately be capable of providing instantly accessible and highly effective treatments for depression. Reducing the societal and economic burden of this condition worldwide.



Professor Jerome Sarris, NICM deputy director, highlighted the importance of the findings for opening up non-stigmatizing and self-managing avenues of care. "The data shows us that smartphones can help people monitor, understand and manage their own mental health. Using apps as part of an "integrative medicine" approach for depression has been demonstrated to be particularly useful. For improving mood and tackling symptoms in these patients," said Professor Sarris.

The researchers found no difference in apps which apply principles of mindfulness compared to cognitive behavioral therapy or mood monitoring programs. However, interventions that used entirely "self-contained" apps meaning the app did not reply on other aspects such as clinician and computer feedback were found to be significantly more effective than "non-self-contained" apps.

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Despite early results, there is currently no evidence to suggest that using apps alone can outperform standard psychological therapies. To reduce the need for antidepressant medications.