Photo: flickr
A novel suits of 13 speedy mini-apps – IntelliCare has been created to help individuals with depression and/or anxiety to cope. Participants who used the app up to four times a day reported significantly less depression and anxiety.
The apps offer exercises to help individuals to de-stress, reduce self-criticism and worrying, methods to help them feel that life is more meaningful, mantras to highlight their strengths, strategies for a good night’s sleep and relaxation videos are available as well.
Most apps designed for mental health typically offer only a single strategy to feel better or it may consist of complicated features which is difficult to navigate. Users might prefer a more user-friendly app for a longer period usage.
96 participants who completed the research study revealed that there was a 50 percent decrease in the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms. This short-term study-related reductions are comparable to results expected in clinical practice using psychotherapy or with that seen using antidepressant medication.
The lead study author David Mohr commented that the aim of the app was to fit into people’s lives easily and some participants were continuing the usage of the app because they have experienced improvement in their mental well-being.
IntelliCare is a national research study and it is free for download with no financial obligation. However, researchers hope to receive confidential feedback, via four weekly questions from participants to further improvise the app by enhancing the system and to provide more personalised treatment.
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Category(s):Anxiety, Depression
Source material from Science Daily
