Abstract
Introduction: Depression is highly prevalent and causes considerable suffering and disease burden despite the existence of wide-ranging treatment options. Momentary assessment is a promising tool in the management of psychiatric disorders, and particularly depression. It allows for a real-time evaluation of symptoms and an earlier detection of relapse or treatment efficacy. Treating the motivational and hedonic aspects of depression is a key target reported in the literature, but it is time-consuming in terms of human resources. Digital Applications offer a major opportunity to indirectly regulate impaired motivational circuits through dopaminergic pathways. Objective: The main objective of this review was twofold: (1) propose a conceptual and critical review of the literature regarding the theoretical and technical principles of digital applications focused on motivation in depression, activating dopamine, and (2) suggest recommendations on the relevance of using these tools and their potential place in the treatment of depression. Material and Methods: A search for words related to “dopamine”, “depression”, “smartphone apps”, “digital phenotype” has been conducted on PubMed. Results: Ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) differ from traditional treatments by providing relevant, useful intervention strategies in the context of people’s daily lives. EMIs triggered by ecological momentary assessment (EMA) are called “Smart-EMI”. Smart-EMIs can mimic the “dopamine reward system” if the intervention is tailored for motivation or hedonic enhancement, and it has been shown that a simple reward (such as a digital badge) can increase motivation. Discussion: The various studies presented support the potential interest of digital health in effectively motivating depressed patients to adopt therapeutic activation behaviors. Finding effective ways to integrate EMIs with human-provided therapeutic support may ultimately yield the most efficient and effective intervention method. This approach could be a helpful tool to increase adherence and motivation. Conclusion: Smartphone apps can motivate depressed patients by enhancing dopamine, offering the opportunity to enhance motivation and behavioral changes, although longer term studies are still needed.
Highlights
Depression is highly prevalent and causes considerable suffering and disease burden despite the existence of wide-ranging treatment options
Ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) differ from traditional treatments by providing relevant, useful intervention strategies in the context of people’s daily lives
EMI can be triggered by ecological momentary assessment (EMA), see Table 1
Summary
Depression is highly prevalent and causes considerable suffering and disease burden despite the existence of wide-ranging treatment options. Finding effective ways to integrate EMIs with human-provided therapeutic support may yield the most efficient and effective intervention method This approach could be a helpful tool to increase adherence and motivation. Motivation determines the triggering of goaldirected actions and the appropriate intensity, and above all it ensures the prolongation until the end or the interruption In this perspective, motivation, which will allow oneself to make these choices, can have several dimensions involving distinct mechanisms: a first, which corresponds to the identity of the goal and its content (“what”); a second, which refers to the value of the goal (“how much”); and the last one which corresponds to the process allowing to adjust the goal-directed behavior (“how”). They complained of not feeling any urge to obtain them [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
