There is a non-evidence-based app for that: A systematic review and mixed methods analysis of depression- and...

Recent studies have utilized available online data to examine the impact of depression- and anxiety-related apps that incorporate evidence-based techniques; however, the impact of apps incorporating non-evidence-based techniques is unknown. Understanding this impact is important in order to assess the potential benefits or harm from their use.

We systematically reviewed apps incorporating relevant techniques aimed at depression- and anxiety-related conditions, found through Google Play search. We conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses of user reviews, and analyzed app usage utilizing an independent user panel.

Compared to apps incorporating evidence-based techniques (n = 14), user ratings of apps classified as non-evidence-based (n = 27) were lower (4.0 versus 4.5, p=.001, η²=0.24) and a smaller percentage of users found these apps to be beneficial for mental health (76.2% versus 100%, p=.003, η²=0.23). Users found apps incorporating non-evidence-based techniques to be mostly helpful in providing in-the-moment relief; however, some users described these apps as containing content that could be harmful for a person in such a mental state.

The data do not enable the differentiation of user experiences based on user groups (e.g. according to the severity of symptoms), which should be examined in future studies.

This study indicates that depression and anxiety apps incorporating non-evidence-based techniques are viewed less favorably and have more potential to cause harm. However, many users found them helpful mostly in providing in-the-moment relief. Examining user experiences with these apps is an important way to learn about unmet user needs and potential benefits or harm.