Curated from: popsci.com
Ideas, facts & insights covering these topics:
4 ideas
·2.29K reads
29
Explore the World's Best Ideas
Join today and uncover 100+ curated journeys from 50+ topics. Unlock access to our mobile app with extensive features.
More than ever, people struggling with mental health issues are turning to therapy apps. While some applications connect you with a licensed therapist, many apps have gone humanless - from friendly chatbots that offer cognitive behavioural therapy to apps that claim to help people through acute stress with deep breathing exercises.
While studies suggest that some of these applications are effective treatments for mental illness, experts are concerned with the rapid growth of unregulated apps.
57
1.33K reads
Since 2016, mental health apps have exploded in number and popularity. Currently, there are about 10,000 to 20,000 mental health apps available. Studies also show that, overall, smartphone apps helped people feel moderately less depressed and anxious.
But, many mental health apps make unsubstantiated treatment claims. Because the risks associated with using the apps are small, no one seems to be checking the validity of their claims.
49
299 reads
In a review of 52 apps for anxiety, psychologists found that 67% had been developed without guidance from a healthcare professional. Another review found that none of the 25 highest-rated apps for anxiety had content in line with evidence-based treatments.
Some of the advice offered by the apps are harmful. One app for bipolar disorder advised users that experienced a manic episode to take a shot of hard liquor to help them fall asleep. Another app said you could "catch" bipolar disorder.
50
356 reads
It's unlikely that these mHealth apps will replace in-person healthcare professionals. While regulation would eliminate most health apps, that is not likely to happen soon.
When choosing apps, users should go to a medical professional and see what they would recommend. The professional can see if the app is consistent with evidence-based treatments.
48
310 reads
IDEAS CURATED BY
Learn more about technologyandthefuture with this collection
How to listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues
How to develop a positive relationship with food
How to trust yourself around food
Related collections
Similar ideas
6 ideas
Can Your Smartphone Make You Mindful?
mindful.org
5 ideas
4 Misconceptions about CBT therapy
efficacy.org.uk
6 ideas
Read & Learn
20x Faster
without
deepstash
with
deepstash
with
deepstash
Personalized microlearning
—
100+ Learning Journeys
—
Access to 200,000+ ideas
—
Access to the mobile app
—
Unlimited idea saving
—
—
Unlimited history
—
—
Unlimited listening to ideas
—
—
Downloading & offline access
—
—
Supercharge your mind with one idea per day
Enter your email and spend 1 minute every day to learn something new.
I agree to receive email updates