Abstract
Approximately 3 out of 10 adults will meet criteria for an anxiety-related disorder in their lifetime. The current “gold standard” treatment for anxiety disorders is a CBT protocol that includes the application of exposure and response prevention (ERP). Phone and computer apps have become popular in health care, with numerous apps purporting to address anxiety disorders. The main objective of this study was to assess the functionality of these apps, as well as the degree of consistency with evidence-based principles and procedures. The current study identified 440 apps on the Google Play Store and Apple Store that were advertised to address anxiety disorders. Apps met inclusion criteria if they (1) referenced specific anxiety disorders, (2) provided an intervention for anxiety symptoms, (3) were free of charge, and (4) were not connected to a therapy practice or entity. Of the 440 apps identified, 55 of these included an intervention strategy. The functionality of the apps was poor, and less than 25% included mention of ERP. Of those, none effectively provided instructions or interventions consistent with current research. Many violated established principles of ERP by recommending avoidance or neutralizing of anxiety through techniques demonstrated to be ineffective at high levels of anxiety intensity. Free apps that advertised themselves as treatment for anxiety were found to be of poor quality. Many apps that claimed to offer CBT did not adequately apply evidence-based interventions. Clinicians should become aware of the abundance of anxiety apps available and caution patients accordingly.
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Notes
Autonomic nervous system (ANS).
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de Mello Barreto, L., Borkum, D., Gerstel, B. et al. Fidelity to the Inhibitory Learning Model, Functionality, and Availability of Free Anxiety Treatment Apps. J. technol. behav. sci. 7, 290–295 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-022-00244-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-022-00244-8