Researchers have discovered a remarkable breakthrough in the fight against depression among young people. A cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) mobile app has been found to significantly prevent increases in depression in those at high risk, offering a cost-effective public health solution. This study, published in The Lancet Digital Health, involved over 3,700 participants across four countries and explored the impact of various self-help apps on mental well-being and depression.
A Game-Changer in Mental Health Intervention
In an era of growing concern over the high and steadily increasing rates of anxiety and depression among young people, the discovery of this CBT app offers a glimmer of hope. The study, led by Professor Ed Watkins from the University of Exeter, is the first to rigorously test a mental health app on such a large scale across multiple countries.
The researchers divided the 3,700 participants, aged 16 to 22, into two groups based on their emotional competence abilities. The first group, consisting of 1,200 young people with reduced emotional competency scores and a higher risk of depression, was the focus of the prevention trial. The second group of 2,500 participants, without such risk, was part of the well-being promotion trial. Both groups were then randomly assigned to use one of three different mobile apps: a self-monitoring app, a self-help app focused on emotional competence skills, or a self-help app based on CBT principles.
Preventing Depression and Promoting Well-Being
The results of the trials were truly remarkable. The researchers found that the CBT self-help app had a preventative effect on depression in the high-risk group, relative to the self-monitoring app. Participants who used the CBT app reported better quality-of-life measures and improved work and social functioning.
However, the researchers also discovered that improving mental well-being in young people who are already doing well is a challenging task. The study found no significant differences between the three app interventions in their effects on the lower-risk group. This suggests that prevention strategies may be most effective when targeted at individuals who are more vulnerable, rather than taking a universal approach.
Unlocking the Potential of Digital Mental Health Solutions
The potential of this CBT app as a public health intervention is significant. Professor Watkins explains, “Even when young people used the self-help app just a few times, there was a small but meaningful benefit. Because the app is scalable to large numbers of people in a cost-effective way, these effects have potential value as a public health intervention, within a broader portfolio of digital and in-person services and interventions.”
The next step for the researchers is to identify the specific features and components of the CBT app that were most beneficial, and to explore ways to improve engagement and ongoing use of these elements. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, this study paves the way for more accessible and scalable mental health interventions that can make a real difference in the lives of young people.
