Smartphone apps for the treatment of mental health conditions: status and considerations

Clinical and research interest in the potential of mobile health apps for the management of mental health conditions has recently been given added impetus by growing evidence of consumer adoption. In parallel, there is now a developing evidence base that includes meta-analyses demonstrating reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and reduction in suicidal ideation. While these findings are encouraging, recent research continues to identify a number of potential barriers to the widespread adoption of mental health apps. These challenges include poor data governance and data sharing practices; questions of clinical safety relating to the management of adverse events and potentially harmful content; low levels of user engagement and the possibility of 'digital placebo' effects; and workforce barriers to integration with clinical practice. Current efforts to address these include the development of new models of care, such as 'digital clinics' that integrate health apps. Other contemporary innovations in the field such as digital sensing and just-in-time adaptive interventions are showing early promise for providing accessible and personalised care.