linardon-efficacyofappsupported-2019.pdf (464.12 kB)
The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
journal contribution
posted on 2019-10-01, 00:00 authored by Jake LinardonJake Linardon, P Cuijpers, P Carlbring, Mariel MesserMariel Messer, Matthew Fuller-TyszkiewiczMatthew Fuller-TyszkiewiczAlthough impressive progress has been made toward developing empirically-supported psychological treatments, the reality remains that a significant proportion of people with mental health problems do not receive these treatments. Finding ways to reduce this treatment gap is crucial. Since app-supported smartphone interventions are touted as a possible solution, access to up-to-date guidance around the evidence base and clinical utility of these interventions is needed. We conducted a meta-analysis of 66 randomized controlled trials of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems. Smartphone interventions significantly outperformed control conditions in improving depressive (g=0.28, n=54) and generalized anxiety (g=0.30, n=39) symptoms, stress levels (g=0.35, n=27), quality of life (g=0.35, n=43), general psychiatric distress (g=0.40, n=12), social anxiety symptoms (g=0.58, n=6), and positive affect (g=0.44, n=6), with most effects being robust even after adjusting for various possible biasing factors (type of control condition, risk of bias rating). Smartphone interventions conferred no significant benefit over control conditions on panic symptoms (g=–0.05, n=3), post-traumatic stress symptoms (g=0.18, n=4), and negative affect (g=–0.08, n=5). Studies that delivered a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)-based app and offered professional guidance and reminders to engage produced larger effects on multiple outcomes. Smartphone interventions did not differ significantly from active interventions (face-to-face, computerized treatment), although the number of studies was low (n≤13). The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for common mental health problems was thus confirmed. Although mental health apps are not intended to replace professional clinical services, the present findings highlight the potential of apps to serve as a cost-effective, easily accessible, and low intensity intervention for those who cannot receive standard psychological treatment.
History
Journal
World psychiatryVolume
18Issue
3Pagination
325 - 336Publisher
WileyLocation
Chichester, Eng.Publisher DOI
Link to full text
ISSN
1723-8617eISSN
2051-5545Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2019, World Psychiatric AssociationUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Science & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicinePsychiatryApp-supported smartphone interventionsmental health problemsdepressionanxietygeneral psychiatric distresspositive affectpsychological treatmentsADHERENCE-FOCUSED GUIDANCESOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDERSELF-HELPPOSTTRAUMATIC-STRESSDEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMSMOBILE APPLICATIONSINGLE-BLINDINTERNETTHERAPY
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC