scholarly journals Mental Health Apps: Innovations, Risks and Ethical Considerations

2014 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyriaki G. Giota ◽  
George Kleftaras
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Health Apps

Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense mental health apps: A systematic literature review.

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine E. Gould ◽  
Brian C. Kok ◽  
Vanessa K. Ma ◽  
Aimee Marie L. Zapata ◽  
Jason E. Owen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Department Of Defense ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Health Apps

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 Ethical Considerations for Community Based Psychosocial Accompaniment: Towards a Strengthened Mental Health Response amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Telesia Kathini Musili ◽  
Fancy Cheronoh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mutual Trust ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Practical Strategy ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Personal Wellbeing ◽  
Made In

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the early months of 2020 thwarted and continues to disrupt the strides made in the provision of health services including mental health. Mental health stability is vital to personal wellbeing, the building of relationships and the making of notable contributions to society. This paper sought to situate the importance of psychosocial accompaniment within the community as one of the strategies of responding to mental health challenges that are usually compounded by stigma and discrimination. Content analysis of relational actions prompted by the infectious Covid-19 pandemic formed the basis of this article. Ethical considerations of justice and mutual trust are advanced as foundational values in a community of relations that can easily and practically respond to mental health instability amidst contagious epidemics. The study employed reported experiences of distress emanating from life disruptions that significantly led to poorer mental health in order to urge for psychosocial accompaniment that is founded within the community level. Close relations within the community are lauded as a practical strategy of enhancing and strengthening mental health response amidst contagious pandemics, such as Covid-19.

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

scholarly journals mHealth in the Wild: Using Novel Data to Examine the Reach, Use, and Impact of PTSD Coach

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason E Owen ◽  
Beth K Jaworski ◽  
Eric Kuhn ◽  
Kerry N Makin-Byrd ◽  
Kelly M Ramsey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Public Health Impact ◽  
User Reviews ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Health Apps ◽  
Mobile Mental Health ◽  
First Time

Background A majority of Americans (58%) now use smartphones, making it possible for mobile mental health apps to reach large numbers of those who are living with untreated, or under-treated, mental health symptoms. Although early trials suggest positive effects for mobile health (mHealth) interventions, little is known about the potential public health impact of mobile mental health apps. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize reach, use, and impact of “PTSD Coach”, a free, broadly disseminated mental health app for managing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Methods Using a mixed-methods approach, aggregate mobile analytics data from 153,834 downloads of PTSD Coach were analyzed in conjunction with 156 user reviews. Results Over 60% of users engaged with PTSD Coach on multiple occasions (mean=6.3 sessions). User reviews reflected gratitude for the availability of the app and being able to use the app specifically during moments of need. PTSD Coach users reported relatively high levels of trauma symptoms (mean PTSD Checklist Score=57.2, SD=15.7). For users who chose to use a symptom management tool, distress declined significantly for both first-time users (mean=1.6 points, SD=2.6 on the 10-point distress thermometer) and return-visit users (mean=2.0, SD=2.3). Analysis of app session data identified common points of attrition, with only 80% of first-time users reaching the app’s home screen and 37% accessing one of the app’s primary content areas. Conclusions These findings suggest that PTSD Coach has achieved substantial and sustained reach in the population, is being used as intended, and has been favorably received. PTSD Coach is a unique platform for the delivery of mobile mental health education and treatment, and continuing evaluation and improvement of the app could further strengthen its public health impact.

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.

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