These smartphone mini-apps can help treat depression, anxiety

Researchers found that 13 speedy mini-apps called ‘IntelliCare’ – when used with psychotherapy or antidepressant medication – reduced depression and anxiety in participants by 50%

Your smartphone can now help you fight depression and anxiety.

Researchers from Northwestern University in the United States found that 13 speedy mini-apps called ‘IntelliCare’ reduced depression and anxiety by 50% in participants, who used the apps on their smartphones up to four times a day along with psychotherapy or with antidepressant medication.

The study was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. The applications offer exercises to de-stress, reduce self-criticism and worrying, methods to help your life feel more meaningful, mantras to highlight your strengths, strategies for a good night’s sleep and more.

The apps offer exercises to de-stress, reduce self-criticism and worrying, and methods to help your life feel more meaningful.

“We designed these apps so they fit easily into people’s lives and could be used as simply as the apps used to find a restaurant or directions,” said the study’s lead author David Mohr from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Some of the participants kept using them after the study because they felt that the apps helped them feel better,” Mohr added.

The participants received eight weeks of coaching for the use of IntelliCare, which included an initial phone call, plus two or more text messages per week over the observation period. They spent an average of one minute using each app, with longer times for apps with relaxation videos.

The participants reported that they experienced about a 50% decrease in the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms. “Using digital tools for mental health is emerging as an important part of our future,” Mohr stated.

“These are designed to help the millions of people who want support but can’t get to a therapist’s office,” he said.

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