Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a smartphone application intervention for subthreshold depression

We developed a motion picture-reproducing smartphone application (app) designed to improve self-confidence in individuals with subthreshold depression (StD) and examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an app intervention for individuals with StD.

We conducted an open-label, single-arm pre-post study of 22 young adults with StD. Our intervention involved app usage for at least 70 min/wk for 5 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the adherence rate. Secondary outcome measures were safety and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) scores.

No participants dropped out during the study. The adherence rate was 50%. The mean time of app use over 5 weeks was 124.23 ± 81.94 min/wk. No adverse events were reported. The CES-D scores were significantly improved at 5 weeks post-intervention.

Although this app intervention has the potential to reduce depressive symptoms, the app needs to be improved to increase adherence rates.