Digital technologies to support adolescents with depression and anxiety: review.

Rhys Bevan Jones,Sally Merry,Sharon Anne Simpson,Sharifah Shameem Agha,Bryony Weavers,Mathijs Lucassen,Frances Rice,Paul Stallard,Faris Hussain

doi:10.1192/bja.2022.3

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are common in adolescents, but most affected will not get any formal help. Digital mental health technologies (i.e. resources and interventions to support and improve mental health) are a potential way to extend the reach and increase adolescents' access to therapies, at a relatively low cost. Many young people can access the internet and mobile technologies, including in low- and middle-income countries. There has been increased interest in integrating technologies in a range of settings, especially because of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health, at a time when services are under pressure. This clinical review gives an overview of digital technologies to support the prevention and management of depression and anxiety in adolescence. The technologies are presented in relation to their technological approaches, underlying psychological or other theories, setting, development, evaluations to date and how they might be accessed. There is also a discussion of the potential benefits, challenges and future developments in this field.

Highlights

Climate Schools Combined is a universal intervention developed to prevent substance use and mental health problems, depression and anxiety, in young people
Other emerging technologies include Smartteen, a cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT)-informed programme for depression evaluated in India (Srivastava 2020), and Anxiety Coach, which is based on exposure therapy and developed in the USA (Whiteside 2019)
Methodological limitations of studies Limited user engagement and adherence Poor treatment completion rates Concerns over data protection and privacy Lack of programme availability, few effective programmes available outside of clinical trials Different legal requirements regarding approvals and data storage across international boundaries Difficulties addressing the needs of diverse user groups Meeting high expectations of young people related to modern technologies, e.g. that serious games are sufficiently contemporary Difficulties adequately identifying potential harm or adverse effects while using technologies Negative experiences might affect future help-seeking behaviour Resources and training required when user support is needed

Summary

Introduction

Climate Schools Combined is a universal intervention developed to prevent substance use and mental health problems, depression and anxiety, in young people.

Results

Conclusion