Mini-apps used in new study to reduce depression, anxiety symptoms
A new study by researchers at the Northwestern University in Illinois in the US has found that the use of 13 speedy mini-apps in smartphones resulted in less depression and anxiety symptoms in the participants.
The group of mini-apps called IntelliCare offer exercises to de-stress, reduce self-criticism and worrying, methods to help one’s life feel more meaningful, mantras to highlight one’s strengths, strategies for a good night’s sleep and more.
The study’s participants reported robust use of the IntelliCare apps – as many as four times a day or an average of 195 times – during the eight-week period of the study.
They spent an average of one minute using each app, with longer times for apps with relaxation videos.
In the study, 105 participants were enrolled and 96 of them completed the study.The 96 participants who completed the research study reported that they experienced about a 50% decrease in the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
The short-term study-related reductions are comparable to results expected in clinical practice using psychotherapy or with that seen using antidepressant medication.
Participants had access to the 13 IntelliCare apps from Google Play and received eight weeks of coaching for the use of IntelliCare. Coaching included an initial phone call plus two or more text messages per week over the eight weeks.
“We designed these apps so they fit easily into people’s lives and could be used as simply as apps to find a restaurant or directions,” said lead study author David Mohr, professor of preventive medicine and director of the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Mohr also note that some of the participants kept using the apps even after the study because they felt that the apps helped them feel better.
However, the preliminary study did not include a control arm, so it’s possible that some people who enrolled in the trial would have improved anyway, partly because they may have been motivated to try something new, Mohr said. He now has launched a larger trial, recruiting 300 participants, with a control arm.
“Using digital tools for mental health is emerging as an important part of our future,” Mohr said. “These are designed to help the millions of people who want support but can’t get to a therapist’s office.”
More than 20% of Americans have significant symptoms of depression or anxiety each year, but only around 20% of people with a mental health problem get adequate treatment.
The IntelliCare algorithm recommends new apps each week to keep the experience fresh, provide new opportunities for learning skills and avoid user boredom. Although the apps are not validated, each one was designed by Northwestern clinicians and based on validated techniques used by therapists.
Being a national research study,individuals can download the IntelliCare apps for free with no financial obligation. But Northwestern researchers hope participants will provide confidential feedback, via four weekly questions, that will be used to further develop the system. The data will help the system make even better recommendations and provide more personalized treatment.
People may also enroll in a study in which they will be paid to provide even more feedback. Some also will have access to an IntelliCare coach via text messaging and phone calls, who are available to support them in using the apps.
“We now have evidence these approaches will likely work,” Mohr said. “They are designed to teach many of the same skills therapists teach patients. Different apps are expected to work for different people. The goal is to find what’s right for you.”
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