In recent years, the number of apps targeting mental health has exploded. But experts have mixed opinions about the effectiveness of these apps, which are meant to help with problems ranging from mild anxiety to his PTSD, and the privacy policies that come with them.
Apps aimed at helping with mental health began appearing before 2020, but the mental health app market has exploded since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans ages 18 to 44 who received mental health care, including therapy and medication, will increase from 18.5% to 23% between 2019 and 2021. increased more than
There are currently at least 15,000 mental health apps on the market, most of which are unregulated, says associate professor at the University of California, Irvine and executive director of One Mind PsyberGuide, a nonprofit that researches mental health. Stephen Schueller says. app.
A growing number of apps are designed to connect people with trained mental health professionals and access real-world support in real time. But the bad news is that many of these apps are baseless and the FDA regulates only a few.
The FDA only regulates apps that act as medical devices, including therapeutic apps, not health apps. Also, it can take years for an app to be approved, or for certain features to be approved.
Schueller said many mental health apps are underutilized. However, very few apps are “high quality” or have scientific evidence to back it up.
According to Schueller, there are only 450 to 600 evidence-based apps on the market, about 3% of all mental health apps.
For example, many non-evidence-based apps targeting anxiety will feature “supporting content,” says Muniya, founder and director of the OCD & Anxiety Institute and chief digital officer at Lumate Health. Khanna told The Hill.
Supporting content includes relaxation videos and music intended to calm and focus the mind. But Khanna says apps that try to treat anxiety should help users understand where their anxiety is coming from and how their thoughts play a role in maintaining the anxiety cycle. He stated that it was necessary to include some means of
“Most of the apps that say they’re designed for anxiety probably have very little psychoeducation, and others have none. thing‘ said Khanna. “The content is not rich enough for a standalone support tool.”
When paired with therapy, evidence-based apps like Mindshift could actually be beneficial, says Anne-Marie Albano, a professor of medical psychology at Columbia University Medical Center.
“But apps don’t and shouldn’t replace therapy,” Albano said.
And using apps that aren’t scientifically based or even telemedicine that isn’t delivered at the required intensity or quality can exacerbate mental health problems.
“They can become more desperate, more stressed, and worse over time,” Albano said. I have.”
The lack of oversight over mental health apps means some apps don’t comply with health-related privacy laws.
Mental health apps that connect users with therapists and counselors are typically bound by state and federal governments. health privacy law Also controls interpersonal therapy sessions Some violate federal law.
In March, online therapy and counseling service BetterHelp refunded $7.8 million to its customers as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. Shared health data We are committed to confidentiality with companies like Facebook and Snapchat.
other Wellness apps that feature guided meditations, chatbots, or surveys often share or sell personal information to third-party companies.
Over 62% of the top mental health apps were given a privacy warning label by the Mozilla Foundation’s *Privacy Not Included.
For those struggling with mental health or wanting to use the app, the American Psychological Association recommends searching to see if the app’s creator has published research showing that their product works. I’m here.
Another thing to look for is to see if someone is on the company’s board of directors or on a scientific advisory board, says C. Vaile Wright, senior director of healthcare innovation on the American Psychological Association’s Board of Practice. said.
Consumers also need to find out if the app company has privacy and security policies in place and know where user data goes.
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