Another news feed, free app reviewed for aux treatment of PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
reviewing Kuhn E et al. J Consult Clin Psychol 2017 Mar.
In a randomized, controlled trial, significant improvements seen at 3 months of treatment persisted at 6 months.
Although smartphone apps are widely used in mental health practice, few studies have meaningfully evaluated their utility. In this first-ever rigorous evaluation of a mobile app for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), investigators used advertisements to recruit adults meeting screening criteria for PTSD.
The 120 participants (mean age, 39; women, 69%; white race, 67%) were randomized to 3 months of treatment with PTSD Coach, a free app for Android or Apple devices developed by Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, or to a waiting list. Not intended to replace professional care, the app offers psychoeducation, symptom assessment checklists, evidence-based self-management tools (e.g., relationship exercises, stress inoculation training, and grounding), and a “find support” section that includes personalized information and emergency services.
Attrition was low (overall, 14%). Participants used the app an average of 1 to 2 days per week. At the end of treatment, clinically significant improvement was seen in 47% of app users vs. 26% of waiting-list controls. App users showed greater improvement in PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial functioning (but not coping self-efficacy). Improvements generally persisted 3 months later.
COMMENT
The generalizability of this study is limited by its complete reliance on self-report measures in a convenience sample. Also, using digital devices for mental health treatment might evoke some degree of placebo response. Nevertheless, the potential utility of the app, as an adjunct to conventional PTSD treatment, bears further study. In the meantime, clinicians in routine practice might encourage patients to download and try the app ().
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
reviewing Kuhn E et al. J Consult Clin Psychol 2017 Mar.
In a randomized, controlled trial, significant improvements seen at 3 months of treatment persisted at 6 months.
Although smartphone apps are widely used in mental health practice, few studies have meaningfully evaluated their utility. In this first-ever rigorous evaluation of a mobile app for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), investigators used advertisements to recruit adults meeting screening criteria for PTSD.
The 120 participants (mean age, 39; women, 69%; white race, 67%) were randomized to 3 months of treatment with PTSD Coach, a free app for Android or Apple devices developed by Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, or to a waiting list. Not intended to replace professional care, the app offers psychoeducation, symptom assessment checklists, evidence-based self-management tools (e.g., relationship exercises, stress inoculation training, and grounding), and a “find support” section that includes personalized information and emergency services.
Attrition was low (overall, 14%). Participants used the app an average of 1 to 2 days per week. At the end of treatment, clinically significant improvement was seen in 47% of app users vs. 26% of waiting-list controls. App users showed greater improvement in PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial functioning (but not coping self-efficacy). Improvements generally persisted 3 months later.
COMMENT
The generalizability of this study is limited by its complete reliance on self-report measures in a convenience sample. Also, using digital devices for mental health treatment might evoke some degree of placebo response. Nevertheless, the potential utility of the app, as an adjunct to conventional PTSD treatment, bears further study. In the meantime, clinicians in routine practice might encourage patients to download and try the app ().
Being told you're delusional does not necessarily mean you're mental.
