Efficacy of mobile applications in treating depression: systemic review and meta-analysis

Previous meta-analysis of the efficacy of mobile phone applications (mHealth apps) for depression has several limitations, including high risk of bias and heterogeneity in effect sizes across studies, and gaps in understanding of variability in treatment outcomes. We aimed to provide more reliable and clinically relevant findings by conducting a systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo, focusing on newer studies with minimal risk of bias.

Analysing 17 randomised controlled trials (n = 2821) published between 2020 and 2025, we found a pooled standardised mean difference (s.m.d.) of -0.46 (95% CI -0.64 to -0.28; P < 0.001) relative to the control groups, which indicates a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Subgroup analyses confirmed efficacy in both adolescents (s.m.d. = -0.42) and adults (s.m.d. = -0.49). Despite evidence of publication bias, 70% of the studies had a low risk of bias, supporting the robustness and reliability of these findings.

The results underscore the clinical relevance of mHealth apps as scalable and accessible tools for bridging gaps in mental healthcare. Their effectiveness across age groups highlights their potential for broad implementation, with future research needed to refine personalisation, engagement strategies and methodological rigour.