Smartphone apps can help reduce depression

Depression is one of the major mental disorders prevailing among us. Although there are many medicines to combat it, researchers have found a new way to fight depression, which is through mobile phone apps.

Smartphone applications are a new safe and easily accessible way for people to fight with the mental disorder. According to research, smartphones open up non-stigmatizing and self-managing possibilities because they can help monitor, understand and manage people’s own mental health.

The lead author of the study Joseph Firth said, “The majority of people in developed countries own smartphones, including younger people who are increasingly affected by depression. Smartphone devices may ultimately be capable of providing instantly accessible and highly effective treatments for depression, reducing the societal and economic burden of this condition worldwide.”

The researchers analyzed 18 randomized controlled trials that tested around 22 various smartphone-delivered mental health interventions. People aged from 18-59 were experimented with conditions like major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and insomnia.

According to Science Daily, the research published in World Psychiatry showed that overall, smartphone applications notably decreased the symptoms, pointing that these digital technologies can be beneficial in handling the situations.

However, there was no particular difference in apps that apply principles of mindfulness as compared to cognitive behavioral therapy or mood monitoring programs. Whereas, the self-contained apps that did not depend on computer or clinical response were more beneficial than the non self-contained ones, stated Gulf Times.

Co-author Dr John Torous believed that the study is appropriate and it promises a step forward in the use of smartphones for mental health. “This research provides much needed information on the effectiveness of apps for depression, and offers important clues into the types of apps which can help patients manage their condition.”

Importantly, this research did not indicate that only smartphone apps can combat depression and diminish the need for therapies or antidepressants.