Though many mobile apps designed to target depression and smoking habits have been linked to positive outcomes, those claiming to treat anxiety, alcohol use and other mental health issues should not be used as standalone interventions, a new analysis found.
In the study, researchers examined the results of 19 randomized controlled trials comprising a total of 3,681 participants, as detailed in 5,945 records and 165 full-text articles. The apps included in the trials were used as standalone interventions for behavioral health issues including depression, anxiety, substance use, self-harm, PTSD and sleep problems.
Across the studies examined in the analysis, behavioral health mobile apps were found to have "significant" effects on depression and smoking behavior, but had no significant pooled effects on anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-injury or alcohol use. Additionally, the apps' effects on PTSD and insomnia varied too widely to be considered successful.
As a result, the authors of the analysis wrote, "Although some trials showed potential of apps targeting mental health symptoms, using smartphone apps as standalone psychological interventions cannot be recommended based on the current level of evidence."
Still, they added, behavioral health apps could be beneficial when used in tandem with more traditional evidence-based treatment methods such as in-person or online therapy sessions. "One possibility to benefit from apps that already show small effects such as for depression, smoking, and sleep problems could be to have them integrated into a clinical setting in which a professional can monitor progress and provide additional support," they wrote.
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