Smartphone-Based Interventions for Depression

Technology is rapidly advancing and more people are depending on it to stay in touch with friends, finding the quickest way to work or doing their weekly shopping. It is no surprise that people are turning to their smartphones to improve their mental wellbeing. There are many mobile applications available on smartphones that claim to improve your mental health, however not all mental health apps are created equal and it is important to know how to make sure the one you are using is truly helpful. Joseph Firth and colleagues conducted the first meta-analysis of apps for depressive symptoms in October 2017, which was published in the Official Journal of the World Psychiatric Association. Depression is typically a treatable mental health condition with a variety of different treatments, ranging from mindfulness-based interventions to medication. Though treatable, a high number of individuals with depression do not actively seek support from mental health professionals. One in 27 people in poorer countries seek support, while 1 in 5 seek support in richer countries. So, if only 1 in 5 people are visiting their doctor when they are feeling particularly depressed even though they are in a country where support should be easily accessible and affordable, what is stopping people from accessing help? It could be due to a lack of trained psychologists in your area, the cost of therapy or the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Not only this, but according to Firth, almost ha...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Brain and Behavior Mental Health and Wellness Psychology Research Stigma Technology Treatment Attention Deficit Disorder Confidentiality Depression mobile apps Privacy Sleep Disorder Smartphone Source Type: blogs