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Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a smartphone application intervention for subthreshold depression
Author(s) -
Takahashi Kana,
Takada Koki,
Hirao Kazuki
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12540
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , medicine , intervention (counseling) , smartphone app , center for epidemiologic studies depression scale , mobile apps , physical therapy , depressive symptoms , psychiatry , cognition , world wide web , computer science , economics , macroeconomics
Aim We developed a motion picture‐reproducing smartphone application (app) designed to improve self‐confidence in individuals with subthreshold depression (StD) and examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an app intervention for individuals with StD. Methods We conducted an open‐label, single‐arm pre‐post study of 22 young adults with StD. Our intervention involved app usage for at least 70 min/wk for 5 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the adherence rate. Secondary outcome measures were safety and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) scores. Results No participants dropped out during the study. The adherence rate was 50%. The mean time of app use over 5 weeks was 124.23 ± 81.94 min/wk. No adverse events were reported. The CES‐D scores were significantly improved at 5 weeks post‐intervention. Conclusions Although this app intervention has the potential to reduce depressive symptoms, the app needs to be improved to increase adherence rates.