Linardon2019 - The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • Type:#article
  • Year read:#read2022
  • Subject: smartphone
  • Bibtex: @linardon2019
  • Bibliography: Linardon, J., Cuijpers, P., Carlbring, P., Messer, M., & Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M. (2019). The efficacy of app-supported smartphone interventions for mental health problems: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 18(3), 325–336. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20673

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Key takeaways

  • k = 66 RCTs. No OCD, most common were depression, GAD, and stress.
  • Overall effect on depressive symptoms: n = 54, g = 0.28 (95%CI 0.21 to 0.36), GAD: n = 39, g = 0.30 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.40)
  • Higher effect-size when CBT-based, reminders to engage, and professional guidance included.

The effect sizes associated with app-based treatments are generally smaller than face-to-face or ICBT