scholarly journals Digital health developments and drawbacks: a review and analysis of top-returned apps for bipolar disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Lagan ◽  
Abinaya Ramakrishnan ◽  
Evan Lamont ◽  
Aparna Ramakrishnan ◽  
Mark Frye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Mood Management ◽  
Health Apps

Abstract Background Although a growing body of literature highlights the potential benefit of smartphone-based mobile apps to aid in self-management and treatment of bipolar disorder, it is unclear whether such evidence-based apps are readily available and accessible to a user of the app store. Results Using our systematic framework for the evaluation of mental health apps, we analyzed the accessibility, privacy, clinical foundation, features, and interoperability of the top-returned 100 apps for bipolar disorder. Only 56% of the apps mentioned bipolar disorder specifically in their title, description, or content. Only one app’s efficacy was supported in a peer-reviewed study, and 32 apps lacked privacy policies. The most common features provided were mood tracking, journaling, and psychoeducation. Conclusions Our analysis reveals substantial limitations in the current digital environment for individuals seeking an evidence-based, clinically usable app for bipolar disorder. Although there have been academic advances in development of digital interventions for bipolar disorder, this work has yet to be translated to the publicly available app marketplace. This unmet need of digital mood management underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation system of mental health apps, which we have endeavored to provide through our framework and accompanying database (apps.digitalpsych.org).

scholarly journals Mobile Mental Health Apps in China: Systematic App Store Search (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huifang Yin ◽  
Klaas J Wardenaar ◽  
Yuhao Wang ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Wenjin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Main Technique ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

BACKGROUND Smartphones have become ubiquitous in China, offering a promising way to deliver mental health interventions; however, little is known about the current use and characteristics of smartphone apps for mental health. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to gain insight into mobile mental health apps available in China as of December 2018. METHODS A systematic search was conducted to identify and evaluate the most downloaded apps from iOS and Android platforms. Apps were categorized according to their main purpose and downloaded to evaluate their content. Each app’s affiliation, cost, target users, information security, and evidence-based nature were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 172 unique apps that were identified, there were 37 apps (21.5%) for psychological counseling, 50 apps (29.1%) for assessment, 12 apps (7.0%) to relieve stress, 24 apps (14.0%) for psychoeducation, and 49 (28.4%) multipurpose apps (ie, a combination of counseling and assessment). Most apps were developed for adults in the general population (166/172, 96.5%), rather than for psychiatric patients. App-based counseling was mostly provided by psychologists, and of the assessed apps, only 40% (70/172) used evidence-based scales to assess mental health problems such as anxiety or depressed mood. Guided meditation was used as the main technique in stress-relieving apps. CONCLUSIONS Many apps contained useful and evidence-based elements, such as good quality information, validated measurements, and useful meditation methods; however, for mobile apps to contribute significantly to mental health care in China, considerable challenges remain, including the need for more patient-focused apps that can actually take on the role of a health care provider. In addition, efficacy studies are needed.

scholarly journals Mobile Mental Health Apps in China: Systematic App Store Search

10.2196/14915 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e14915
Author(s):  
Huifang Yin ◽  
Klaas J Wardenaar ◽  
Yuhao Wang ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Wenjin Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Main Technique ◽  
Stress Relieving ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

Background Smartphones have become ubiquitous in China, offering a promising way to deliver mental health interventions; however, little is known about the current use and characteristics of smartphone apps for mental health. Objective The purpose of this study was to gain insight into mobile mental health apps available in China as of December 2018. Methods A systematic search was conducted to identify and evaluate the most downloaded apps from iOS and Android platforms. Apps were categorized according to their main purpose and downloaded to evaluate their content. Each app’s affiliation, cost, target users, information security, and evidence-based nature were evaluated. Results Of the 172 unique apps that were identified, there were 37 apps (21.5%) for psychological counseling, 50 apps (29.1%) for assessment, 12 apps (7.0%) to relieve stress, 24 apps (14.0%) for psychoeducation, and 49 (28.4%) multipurpose apps (ie, a combination of counseling and assessment). Most apps were developed for adults in the general population (166/172, 96.5%), rather than for psychiatric patients. App-based counseling was mostly provided by psychologists, and of the assessed apps, only 40% (70/172) used evidence-based scales to assess mental health problems such as anxiety or depressed mood. Guided meditation was used as the main technique in stress-relieving apps. Conclusions Many apps contained useful and evidence-based elements, such as good quality information, validated measurements, and useful meditation methods; however, for mobile apps to contribute significantly to mental health care in China, considerable challenges remain, including the need for more patient-focused apps that can actually take on the role of a health care provider. In addition, efficacy studies are needed.

The effects of mobile apps on stress, anxiety, and depression: overview of systematic reviews

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Khademian ◽  
Azam Aslani ◽  
Peivand Bastani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Behavioral Activation ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Overview Of Systematic Reviews

Abstract Objectives Despite a large number of mobile apps in the field of mental health, it is difficult to find a useful and reliable one, mainly due to the fact that the effectiveness of many apps has not been assessed scientifically. The present study aimed to assess the effects of mental health apps on managing the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for the papers published from 2000 to 2019. Studies were included if they reviewed articles or mobile apps for their effectiveness in stress, anxiety, and depression. The reviews that had considered mobile apps or web-based mobile applications as an intervention or part of intervention were included, as well. Results A total of 4,999 peer-reviewed articles were identified, out of which nine systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Seven systematic reviews measured depression outcomes, three measured stress, and five systematic reviews measured anxiety symptoms. The applications that used behavior change strategies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Behavioral Activation, reported significant effects on depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion It seems that mental health apps can be promising media for reducing depressive symptoms. This field is an emerging area of mobile health, and further research should be done in future in order to reach conclusive evidence.

Interdisciplinary Development of a Transdiagnostic Mobile App to Enhance Children’s Emotion Regulation: Sharing Insights and Lessons Learned (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Moltrecht ◽  
Praveetha Patalay ◽  
Holly Alice Bear ◽  
Jessica Deighton ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Young People ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Classroom Observations ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Interdisciplinary Framework

BACKGROUND Digital interventions, including mobile apps represent promising means to provide effective mental health support to young people. Despite the increased availability of mental health apps, there is a significant gap for this age group, especially for younger children. Research investigating the effectiveness and development process of child mental health apps is limited, and the field faces persistent issues in relation to low user up-take and engagement, which is assumed to be a result of lacking interdisciplinary approaches. OBJECTIVE We present the development and design process of a new mental health app for children that targets their emotion regulation abilities. We describe the creation of a new interdisciplinary development framework, to guide the design process, and explain how each activity informed different app features. METHODS The first two stages of the framework employed a variety of methods, including: 1) classroom observations, 2) public-engagement events with the target group (N=21), 3) synthesis of the existing evidence as part of a meta-analysis, 4) a series of co-design and participatory workshops with young users (N=33), clinicians (N=7), researchers (N=12), app developers (N=1) , designers (N=2), and lastly 5) testing of the first high-tech prototype (N=15). RESULTS For the interdisciplinary framework we drew on methods derived from the medical research council framework for complex interventions, the patient-clinician-framework and Druin’s cooperative inquiry. The classroom observations, public-engagement events, and synthesis of the existing evidence informed the first key pillars of the app and wireframes. Subsequently, a series of workshops shaped and reshaped the content and app features, including games, psychoeducational films, and practice modules. Based on the prototype testing sessions we made further adjustments to improve the app. CONCLUSIONS Although mobile apps could be highly suitable to support young people’s mental health on a wider scale, there is little guidance on how these interventions could be designed. The involvement of the different methods and especially the young users was very valuable. We hope that the interdisciplinary framework and multiple methods that we applied will be helpful to others who are also aiming to develop suitable apps for young people.

scholarly journals Self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy apps: Can they help? Systematic assessment of features, functionality, and congruence with evidence (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Martinengo ◽  
Anne-Claire Stona ◽  
Konstadina Griva ◽  
Paola Dazzan ◽  
Carmine Maria Pariante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Management ◽  
Data Security ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Restructuring ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Health Apps

BACKGROUND Mental health disorders affect one in ten people globally, of which around 300 million are affected by depression. At least half of affected people remain untreated. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment but access to specialized providers, habitually challenging, has worsened with COVID-19. Internet-based CBT (iCBT) is effective and a feasible strategy to increase access to treatment for people with depression. Mental health apps may further assist in facilitating self-management for people affected by depression but accessing the right app might be cumbersome given the large number and wide variety of apps offered by public app marketplaces. OBJECTIVE To systematically assess features, functionality, data security and congruence with evidence of self-guided CBT-based apps available in major app stores, suitable for users suffering from depression. METHODS A systematic assessment of self-guided CBT-based apps available in Google Play and Apple’s App Store was conducted. Apps launched or updated since August 2018 were identified through a systematic search in 42matters using CBT-related terms. Apps meeting inclusion criteria were downloaded and assessed using a Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro (Android 9) and iPhone 7 (iOS 13.3.1). Apps were appraised using a 182-question checklist developed by the research team, comprising apps’ general characteristics, CBT-related features, including six evidence-based CBT techniques as informed by a CBT manual, CBT competences framework and a literature review of iCBT clinical trial protocols (psychoeducation, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, relaxation, and exposure for comorbid anxiety), and technical aspects and quality assurance. Results were reported as a narrative review, using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The initial search yielded 3006 apps, of which 98 apps met inclusion criteria and were systematically assessed. There were 20 wellbeing apps, 65 mental health apps and 13 depression apps. Twenty-eight apps offered at least four evidence-based CBT techniques, particularly depression apps. Cognitive restructuring was the most common technique, offered by 77/98 apps. Only a third of apps offered suicide- risk management resources while less than 20% of apps offered COVID-19-related information. Most apps included a privacy policy, but only a third of apps presented it before account creation. Eighty percent of privacy policies stated sharing data with third party service providers. Half of app development teams included academic institutions or healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS Only few self-guided CBT-based apps offer comprehensive CBT programs or suicide risk management resources. Sharing of users’ data is widespread, highlighting shortcomings in the health app market governance. To fulfill their potential, self-guided CBT-based apps should follow evidence-based clinical guidelines, be patient-centered and enhance users’ data security. CLINICALTRIAL NA

Mental health apps education on depression: Systematic assessment (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Martinengo ◽  
Anne-Claire Stona ◽  
Lorainne Tudor Car ◽  
Jimmy Lee ◽  
Konstadina Griva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Clinical Guidelines ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Educational Content ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Android Apps ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Health Apps

BACKGROUND Suboptimal understanding of depression and mental health disorders by the general population is an important contributor to the wide treatment gap in depression. Mental health literacy encompasses knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders and supports their recognition, management, and prevention. Besides knowledge improvement, psychoeducational interventions reduce symptoms of depression, enhance help-seeking behavior, and decrease stigma. Mental health apps often offer educational content, but the trustworthiness of included information is unclear OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate adherence to depression clinical guidelines of the information offered by mental health apps available in major commercial app stores. METHODS A systematic assessment of the educational content about depression in apps available in Google Play and Apple’s App Store was conducted in July 2020. A systematic search for apps published or updated since January 2019 was performed using 42matters. Apps meeting inclusion criteria were downloaded and assessed using an iPhone 7 (iOS 14.0.1) and a Sony XPERIA XZs (Android 8.0.0) smartphones. The 156 questions assessment checklist comprised general characteristics of apps, appraisal of educational content and its adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines, and technical aspects and quality assurance. Results were tabulated and reported as a narrative review, using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The app search retrieved 2,218 apps of which 58 were included in the analysis (29 Android apps and 29 iOS apps). Thirty-seven apps (64%) offered educational content within a more comprehensive depression or mental health management app. Twelve apps (21%) provided non-evidence-based information. Most apps (51/58, 88%) included up to 20/38 educational topics assessed. Common educational topics were listing symptoms of depression (52/58, 90%) and available treatments (48/58, 83%), particularly psychotherapy. Depression-associated stigma was mentioned by 38% of apps, while suicide risk was mentioned by 71% of apps, generally as one item in a list of symptoms. Forty-four (76%) apps highlighted the importance of help-seeking, and 50% of apps emphasized the importance of involving the user’s support network. Thirty apps (52%) referenced their content and ten apps (17%) included advertisements. CONCLUSIONS Information in mental health and depression apps is often brief and incomplete. One in five apps provided non-evidence-based information. Given the unmet needs and stigma associated with the disease, it is imperative that apps seize the opportunity to offer quality, evidence-based education and/or point the users to relevant resources. A multi-stakeholder consensus on a more stringent development and publication process for mental health apps is imperative.

scholarly journals Psychology and Surveillance Capitalism: The Risk of Pushing Mental Health Apps During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-625
Author(s):  
Lisa Cosgrove ◽  
Justin M. Karter ◽  
Zenobia Morrill ◽  
Mallaigh McGinley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Humanistic Psychology ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Digital Phenotyping ◽  
The Rich

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth technologies and mental health apps have been promoted to manage distress in the public and to augment existing mental health services. From a humanistic perspective, the promotion and use of mobile apps raises ethical concerns regarding the autonomy of the person using the app. However, there are other dangers that arise when technological fixes are embraced at a time of crisis. Naomi Klein and Shoshanna Zuboff have recently warned about disaster and surveillance capitalism—using crises to pass legislation that will benefit the rich and deepen inequality, and using anonymized behavioral data for commercial purposes. This analysis reveals that mental health apps may take individuals at their most vulnerable and make them part of a hidden supply chain for the marketplace. We provide a case study of a mental health app that uses digital phenotyping to predict negative mood states. We describe the logic of digital phenotyping and assess the efficacy data on which claims of its validity are based. Drawing from the frameworks of disaster and surveillance capitalism, we also use a humanistic psychology lens to identify the ethical entanglements and the unintended consequences of promoting and using this technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Surveying the Role of Analytics in Evaluating Digital Mental Health Interventions for Transition-Aged Youth: Scoping Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Lo ◽  
Jenny Shi ◽  
Elisa Hollenberg ◽  
Alexxa Abi-Jaoudé ◽  
Andrew Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Usage Data

BACKGROUND Consumer-facing digital health interventions provide a promising avenue to bridge gaps in mental health care delivery. To evaluate these interventions, understanding how the target population uses a solution is critical to the overall validity and reliability of the evaluation. As a result, usage data (analytics) can provide a proxy for evaluating the engagement of a solution. However, there is paucity of guidance on how usage data or analytics should be used to assess and evaluate digital mental health interventions. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to examine how usage data are collected and analyzed in evaluations of mental health mobile apps for transition-aged youth (15-29 years). METHODS A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A systematic search was conducted on 5 journal databases using keywords related to usage and engagement, mental health apps, and evaluation. A total of 1784 papers from 2008 to 2019 were identified and screened to ensure that they included analytics and evaluated a mental health app for transition-aged youth. After full-text screening, 49 papers were included in the analysis. RESULTS Of the 49 papers included in the analysis, 40 unique digital mental health innovations were evaluated, and about 80% (39/49) of the papers were published over the past 6 years. About 80% involved a randomized controlled trial and evaluated apps with information delivery features. There were heterogeneous findings in the concept that analytics was ascribed to, with the top 3 being engagement, adherence, and acceptability. There was also a significant spread in the number of metrics collected by each study, with 35% (17/49) of the papers collecting only 1 metric and 29% (14/49) collecting 4 or more analytic metrics. The number of modules completed, the session duration, and the number of log ins were the most common usage metrics collected. CONCLUSIONS This review of current literature identified significant variability and heterogeneity in using analytics to evaluate digital mental health interventions for transition-aged youth. The large proportion of publications from the last 6 years suggests that user analytics is increasingly being integrated into the evaluation of these apps. Numerous gaps related to selecting appropriate and relevant metrics and defining successful or high levels of engagement have been identified for future exploration. Although long-term use or adoption is an important precursor to realizing the expected benefits of an app, few studies have examined this issue. Researchers would benefit from clarification and guidance on how to measure and analyze app usage in terms of evaluating digital mental health interventions for transition-aged youth. Given the established role of adoption in the success of health information technologies, understanding how to abstract and analyze user adoption for consumer digital mental health apps is also an emerging priority.

scholarly journals Mental Health Apps in Psychiatric Treatment: A Patient Perspective on Real World Technology Usage (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emil Chiauzzi ◽  
Amy Newell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Patient Perspective ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mobile Mental Health

UNSTRUCTURED For many people who use mobile apps, the primary motivations are entertainment, news, gaming, social connections, or productivity. For those experiencing health problems, particularly those with chronic conditions such as psychiatric disorders, the stakes are much higher. The digital tools that they select may be the difference between improvement and decompensation or even life and death. Although there has been a wide expansion of mental health apps with promise as well as hype, the current means of researching, evaluating, and deploying effective tools have been problematic. As a means of gaining a perspective that moves beyond usability testing, surveys, and app ratings, the primary objective of this patient perspective is to question the killer app and condition-specific mentality of current mental health app development. We do this by reviewing the current mobile mental health app literature, identifying ways in which psychiatric patients use apps in their lives, and then exploring how these issues are experienced by a software engineer who has struggled with her bipolar disorder for many years. Her lived experience combined with a technology perspective offers potential avenues for using technology productively in psychiatric treatment. We believe that this responds to JMIR Publications’ call for patient perspective papers and provides encouragement for patients to share their views on mental health and technology.

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