JAMA Netw Open
Popular mental health apps show similar benefits for depression and anxiety
In this randomized clinical trial, researchers compared the efficacy of digital interventions incorporating mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, or personalized feedback in reducing mental health symptoms among adults seeking treatment. Results suggest that the mental health apps studied performed equally well at decreasing suicidality, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
Study:
- A total of 2,079 participants (mean age, 36.8 years; 68.4% women) were randomized to one of five interventions: 1) enhanced personalized feedback (EPF) only; 2) Silvercloud, an app that delivers CBT strategies; 3) Silvercloud plus EPF; 4) Headspace, an app that trains users in mindfulness practices; or 5) Headspace plus EPF.
- Primary outcome was change in depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; score range: 0-27). Secondary outcomes included changes in anxiety, suicidality, and substance use symptoms.
Findings:
- Mean baseline PHQ-9 score was 12.7. Overall, depression scores decreased by 2.5 points from baseline to 6-week follow-up (n = 1,885) for all 5 arms (marginal mean differences ranged from −2.1 to −2.9).
- The magnitude of change wasn't significantly different across the 5 arms and the groups didn't differ in change in anxiety or substance use symptoms. However, the Headspace arms reported significantly greater improvements on a suicidality measure subscale compared with the Silvercloud arms (mean difference in mean change = 0.63).
Source:
Horwitz AG, et al. (2024, July 1). JAMA Netw Open. Comparative Effectiveness of Three Digital Interventions for Adults Seeking Psychiatric Services: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39023893/