Traditional Mental Health Care Research Articles

Computer-assisted Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mobile Apps for Depression and Anxiety: Evidence-based Digital Tools for Clinical Practice

Purpose of Review: Provider shortages and other barriers to traditional mental health care have led to the development of technology-based services designed to enhance access and improve the efficiency and convenience of treatment. We reviewed research on computer-assisted cognitive behavior therapy (CCBT) and mobile mental health applications to assess the effectiveness of these methods of delivering or augmenting treatment, evaluating patient and provider uptake, and making recommendations on the clinical use of these tools in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Results: Research on CCBT has found solid evidence for efficacy when the use of a therapeutic computer program is supported by a clinician or other helping professional. Lower levels of efficacy have been found when CCBT is used as a stand-alone treatment. Current CCBT programs have many desirable features; however, few of the current programs incorporate services such as artificial intelligence that have the potential to help improve communication with patients. An increasing number of mobile apps have been created that claim to be useful for depression and/or anxiety, yet caution is warranted before using most due to limited research on effectiveness, low retention rates, and other issues like safety concerns. Summary: Growth in the development of CCBT and mental health applications for depression/anxiety has provided several tools that could enhance treatment delivery. A large number of randomized, controlled trials have documented the effectiveness of CCBT, while research on mobile apps has been much less robust. The advantages and disadvantages of these digital technologies are identified, and recommendations are made for clinical use.

Co-creation and recovery in mental health services: a lived experience perspective.

This article explores the shift in mental health recovery from mere symptom management to a holistic approach via the CHIME framework. It delves into the author's experience, beginning with the loss of his father, a war veteran with mental health struggles, at 16, thrusting him into the role of primary caregiver for his mother, who also battled mental health issues and eventually took her own life. These events spotlight the shortcomings of traditional mental health care and the urgent need for empathetic, multifaceted services. Advocating for co-creation in mental health services, the article outlines a transition towards a system that integrates recovery principles through stages from co-ideation to co-evaluation, emphasising holistic, person-centred care. It calls for a reimagined mental healthcare system that respects individual journeys and is rooted in co-creation, signalling a critical move towards systemic change.

Community-Based Mental Health Improvement Initiatives: A Narrative Review and Indiana Case Study.

There is a global mental health crisis: mental illness is underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated with adverse effects on mental, physical, and social health. In the United States, there is an insufficient number of traditional psychiatric and psychological resources to provide the mental health care needed to solve this crisis. Community-based interventions could be an important adjunct to traditional mental health care. An evaluation of peer-reviewed articles was performed describing community-based interventions and identified 3 approaches with some evidence of effectiveness: (1) interventions that enhance community mental health literacy to improve recognition of early signs of mental illness for early engagement and provide community, family, and peer support; (2) community clinics providing social, medical, and mental health care and support to transition-age youth (15-25 years); and (3) social networking activities to enhance interactions among elders suffering from social isolation and loneliness. Multisector, multidisciplinary, and multicomponent interventions involving health care providers and community-based organizations had the best evidence of effectiveness and should target transition-age youth and elders.

The Role of AI in Improving Mental Health Care

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing mental health care by improving access to diagnostic and therapeutic services and offering innovative tools for early intervention. AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data enables better predictions, treatment recommendations, and enhanced patient outcomes. Despite its potential, the integration of AI in mental health care faces challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, and the risk of biased algorithms. This paper investigates the current challenges in traditional mental health care, discusses AI applications, and highlights future opportunities and ethical considerations. The ongoing development of AI holds promise for reducing the treatment gap and enhancing the quality and efficiency of mental health care delivery. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, mental health care, diagnosis, therapy, AI ethics

Human-Human vs Human-AI Therapy: An Empirical Study

In many nations, demand for mental health services currently outstrips supply, especially in the area of talk-based psychological interventions. Within this context, chatbots (software applications designed to simulate conversations with human users) are increasingly explored as potential adjuncts to traditional mental healthcare service delivery with a view to improving accessibility and reducing waiting times. However, the effectiveness and acceptability of such chatbots remains under-researched. This study evaluates mental health professionals’ perceptions of Pi, a relational Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot, in the early stages of the psychotherapeutic process (problem exploration). We asked 63 therapists to assess therapy transcripts between a human client and Pi (human-AI) versus traditional therapy transcripts between therapists and clients (human-human). Therapists were unable to reliably discriminate between human-AI and human-human therapy transcripts. Therapists were accurate only 53.9% of the time, no better than chance, and rated the human-AI transcripts as higher quality on average. This study has potentially profound implications for the treatment of mental health problems, adding tentative support for the use of relational AI chatbots in providing initial assistance for mild to moderate psychological issues, especially when access to human therapists is constrained.

Racial/Ethnic Trends in Virtual Mental Health Care Utilization Among Undergraduate Students: A Descriptive Study.

Undergraduate students are particularly in need of mental health support, but demand has far surpassed resources. This gap between mental health diagnoses and support is particularly large among Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, and Black students. Supplementing on-campus care with a virtual-only behavioral health partner may shift these trends. This study is aimed at comparing the number of undergraduate students from different racial/ethnic groups (White, Asian, Islander, Hispanic/Latinx, Black, Native, and Multiracial) engaging in virtual mental health visits as part of a partnership with a company providing virtual-only care, with the total enrolled undergraduate students at the same 113 institutions. We used de-identified visit data and self-reported race/ethnicity to define the "patient" population of undergraduates accessing care. We compared that to the full "student" population of undergraduates among the same schools, available as part of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Patient population race/ethnicity (N = 14,870) differed significantly from student population race/ethnicity (N = 619,459). A significant effect ( 26 = 2258, P < .001) indicated that patient demographics differed from student demographics. We found proportionally more Asian, Black, and Multiracial patients than students. At the same time, we found proportionally fewer White and Hispanic/Latinx patients than students. We conclude that, in contrast to prior literature in traditional mental health care, some racial/ethnic minority undergraduates (Asian, Black, and Multiracial) may actually access care at a higher rate under a fully virtual model. On the other hand, White and Hispanic/Latinx students may access care less frequently.

Anxiety disorders pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of therapy

Introduction and purpose: Anxiety disorders are a heterogeneous cluster of common mental health disorders typically characterized by hyperarousal, excessive fear and worry. Unfortunately, a large portion of the world's population does not have access to traditional mental health care, this is influenced by the paucity of available psychiatric services, particularly in many low- and middle-income countries. This article will discuss how patients suffering from depression or anxiety disorders turn to non-pharmacological and unconventional interventions such as exercise, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy or music therapy.&#x0D; The aim of study: The purpose of this literature review was to assemble and analyse the available data about anxiety disorders.&#x0D; Material and method: Standard criteria were used to review the literature data. The search of articles in Pubmed database was carried out using following keywords: Anxiety disorders; depression; mental illness; alternative treatment methods.&#x0D; Description of the State of Knowledge: Pathologically increased anxiety is found not only in anxiety disorders per se, but also in most other types of mental illness. The first-line methods are pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Of particular interest is the use of physical activity and exercise in the treatment of anxiety disorders. This treatment is inexpensive and has few undesired effects. Exercises such as yoga, meditation, tai chi or qi gong are becoming more and more popular.&#x0D; Summary: Anxiety disorders can now be treated effectively. Current research focuses on individualized forms. We hope that even more effective methods of therapy will be developed than those currently available.&#x0D; Keywords: Anxiety disorders; depression; mental illness; alternative treatment methods.

"It has to be better, otherwise we will get stuck." A Review of Novel Directions for Mental Health Reform and Introducing Pilot Work in the Netherlands.

The current state of mental health care in the Netherlands faces challenges such as fragmentation, inequality, inaccessibility, and a narrow specialist focus on individual diagnosis and symptom reduction. A review suggests that in order to address these challenges, an integrated public health approach to mental health care that encompasses the broader social, cultural, and existential context of mental distress is required. A Mental Health Ecosystem social trial seeks to pilot such an approach in the Netherlands, focusing on empowering patients and promoting collaboration among various healthcare providers, social care organizations, and peer-support community organizations, working together in a regional ecosystem of care and committed to a set of shared values. In the ecosystem, mental health problems are examined through the prism of mental variation in context whilst scaling up the capacity of group-based treatment and introducing a flexible and modular approach of (2nd order) treatment by specialists across the ecosystem. The approach is to empower naturally available resources in the community beyond professionally run care facilities. Digital platforms such as psychosenet.nl and proud2bme.nl, which complement traditional mental health care services and enhance public mental health, will be expanded. The capacity of recovery colleges will be increased, forming a national network covering the entire country. GEM will be evaluated using a population-based approach, encompassing a broad range of small-area indicators related to mental health care consumption, social predictors, and clinical outcomes. The success of GEM relies heavily on bottom-up development backed by stakeholder involvement, including insurers and policy-making institutions, and cocreation. By embracing a social trial and leveraging digital platforms, the Dutch mental health care system can overcome challenges and provide more equitable, accessible, and high-quality care to individuals.

AI-Enabled Mental Health Assessment and Intervention: Bridging Gaps in Access and Quality of Care.

This paper explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing mental health assessment and intervention, aiming to address critical gaps in both accessibility and quality of care. Mental health disorders pose a global challenge, with a significant portion of the population facing barriers to timely and effective treatment. Traditional mental health care systems often struggle to meet the increasing demand for services, leading to prolonged waiting times and inadequate support for individuals in distress. Moreover, stigmas surrounding mental health further hinder many from seeking help. The advent of AI technologies offers a promising solution to these challenges. Through advanced machine learning algorithms, AI can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mental health assessments, enabling early detection of disorders and personalized treatment plans. [1] AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can provide continuous, accessible support, offering a bridge to care for individuals who may be hesitant or unable to access traditional services. Furthermore, these technologies can help destigmatize mental health discussions by providing a private and non-judgmental space for users. The paper reviews the current landscape of AI applications in mental health, highlighting successful case studies and identifying key ethical considerations. It also delves into the potential pitfalls and challenges associated with AI implementation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancement and human-centric care. Ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and the need for ongoing human oversight are crucial elements in ensuring the responsible deployment of AI in mental health contexts. As AI continues to evolve, it is imperative to establish robust frameworks for regulation, accountability, and transparency to safeguard against unintended consequences. The paper concludes by proposing a holistic approach that integrates AI seamlessly into existing mental health care infrastructures, fostering collaboration between technology developers, mental health professionals, and policymakers to create a future where AI contributes significantly to bridging gaps in access and elevating the overall quality of mental health care.

Bridging the Support Gap

Over the past decade, U.S. teen mental health has declined rapidly. In the state of Florida, high rates of youth mental health challenges and lowered access to traditional mental health care has led to its ranking as the 19th worst in the nation. A “whole community” approach to mental health promotion has been advocated to address these concerns, and public libraries have been identified as potential partners in that endeavor. As part of its core competencies for library staff providing services to teens, YALSA has identified the importance of supporting teens’ emotional and social development through the provision of library programs and services that help teens cope with life’s challenges—an agenda that directly aligns with the CDC’s definition of mental health. But research exploring the perceptions and experiences of public youth services librarians in promoting this agenda is lacking.&#x0D; Using a mixed-methods approach consisting of surveys of and interviews with Florida public librarians responsible for providing teen library services and informed by Seligman’s Well-being Theory, the proposed research seeks to explore the perceptions and experiences of public librarians in promoting teens’ mental health in the library and identify any challenges or gaps in pre-service training/education in preparing them for this role.

Satisfaction, Perceived Usefulness, and Therapeutic Alliance as Correlates of Participant Engagement in a Pediatric Digital Mental Health Intervention: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

Although evidence suggests that digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) are effective alternatives to traditional mental health care, participant engagement continues to be an issue, especially for pediatric DMHIs. Extant studies of DMHIs among adults suggest that participants' satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and therapeutic alliance are closely tied to engagement. However, these associations have not been investigated among children and adolescents involved in DMHIs. To address these gaps in extant DMHI research, the purpose of this study was to (1) develop and implement a measure to assess satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and therapeutic alliance among children and adolescents participating in a DMHI and (2) investigate satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and therapeutic alliance as correlates of children's and adolescents' engagement in the DMHI. Members (children and adolescents) of a pediatric DMHI who had completed at least one session with a care provider (eg, coach or therapist) were eligible for inclusion in the study. Adolescent members and caregivers of children completed a survey assessing satisfaction with service, perceived usefulness of care, and therapeutic alliance with care team members. This study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of an adolescent- and caregiver-reported user experience assessment in a pediatric DMHI. Moreover, our findings suggest that adolescents' and caregivers' satisfaction and perceived usefulness are salient correlates of youths' engagement with a DMHI. This study provides valuable preliminary evidence that caregivers' satisfaction and perceived usefulness are salient correlates of youths' engagement with a DMHI. Although further research is required, these findings offer preliminary evidence that caregivers play a critical role in effectively increasing engagement among children and adolescents involved in DMHIs.

AI-Led Mental Health Support (Wysa) for Health Care Workers During COVID-19: Service Evaluation.

The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on health care workers' mental health, in particular, cannot be ignored. Not only did the pandemic exacerbate mental health challenges through elevated stress, anxiety, risk of infection, and social isolation, but regulations to minimize infection additionally hindered the conduct of traditional in-person mental health care. This study explores the feasibility of using Wysa, an artificial intelligence-led mental health app, among health care workers. A national tertiary health care cluster in Singapore piloted the use of Wysa among its own health care workers to support the management of their mental well-being during the pandemic (July 2020-June 2022). The adoption of this digital mental health intervention circumvented the limitations of in-person contact and enabled large-scale access to evidence-based care. Rates and patterns of user engagement were evaluated. Overall, the opportunity to use Wysa was well-received. Out of the 527 staff who were onboarded in the app, 80.1% (422/527) completed a minimum of 2 sessions. On average, users completed 10.9 sessions over 3.80 weeks. The interventions most used were for sleep and anxiety, with a strong repeat-use rate. In this sample, 46.2% (73/158) of health care workers reported symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 [GAD-7]), and 15.2% (24/158) were likely to have symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2]). Based on the present findings, Wysa appears to strongly engage those with none to moderate symptoms of anxiety. This evaluation demonstrates the viability of implementing Wysa as a standard practice among this sample of health care workers, which may support the use of similar digital interventions across other communities.

Competing allegiance in an unclear role: Peer and non-peer understanding of peer support in Massachusetts, United States

Lack of role clarity is a central challenge to the growth and retention of the peer workforce as peer support specialists (PSS) increasingly work alongside non-peer providers in traditional mental healthcare settings. This study examined role clarity among peer and non-peer workers and identifies areas of consensus and disagreement in understanding the peer role. Qualitative interviews were conducted with PSS (N = 18), non-peer direct care staff (N = 15), and non-peer clinical staff (N = 6) employed at two behavioral health organizations in the Northeast. Thematic analysis was conducted. Most non-peer staff have generally positive attitudes towards the inclusion of PSS in behavioral healthcare organizations, and task overlap was not indicated as problematic. Non-peer staff report and demonstrate a wide range of understanding but little clarity about the peer role, and peer staff themselves describe diverging descriptions of their own role. A consensus emerged regarding peer roles related to individual and group support, facilitating community integration, and relationship building. Key areas of disagreement include peer inclusion on clinical teams and role in service engagement. Competing peer and organizational ethos were identified as a central challenge of workplace integration. In sum, while peer tasks, roles, and responsibilities are perceived as valuable and non-overlapping with non-peer tasks, they remain ill-defined. Existing role tension is not based on task overlap but rather emerges from competing peer and organizational ethos and allegiances. Education and cultural humility among non-peer staff are critical to reducing interprofessional tension. Simultaneously, peer teams must develop cohesive peer ethos and role identity to ensure internal role clarity.

“If You Prayed More, You Would Feel Better”: The Dual Nature of Religion and Spirituality on Black Youths’ Mental Health and Access to Care in Canada

This study explores Black Canadian youth’s relationship with religion and the impact religion has on their mental health and wellbeing. In addition, we probed promising practices for religious leaders and service providers who want to improve Black youth’s access to care. The results of this article draw from a larger study that aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to mental healthcare for Black youth in Ontario, Canada. 128 (n = 66 youth, n = 35 service providers, n = 27 family and community members; 91% Black, 24% people of colour, 67% white) participants from six regions across Ontario were engaged in 23 qualitative focus groups held virtually between March 2020 and August 2021. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from the data: The stigma and taboo nature of mental illness, the influence of religion and mental health and suggestions to improve care for Black youth. Mental illness is stigmatized in specific ways in Black communities and intergenerational differences exist in how mental illness is conceptualized. In addition, Black Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and other diverse or marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities (2SLGBTQ+) youth face additional difficulties in relation to stigma. Religion and religious affiliation stigmatized mental illness yet, both were considered important for inclusion in traditional mental health supports. To improve access to care for Black youth, there is a need for community-practitioner partnerships, incorporating religion into traditional mental healthcare, and increasing mental health awareness in religious and community spaces. This study is among the first to explore the impact of religion on Black youth’s mental health, findings can contribute to increased access to affirming and responsive care for this population.

I-TREAT: Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) in Danish Adolescents and Adults – Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionEating disorders severely impair psychosocial functioning, physical health, and quality of life. In particular, Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric diseases. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders have the highest lifetime prevalence with weighted means of 7.64% for women. Eating disorders are considered hard-to-treat, and studies have indicated that people suffering from eating disorders prefer low-threshold interventions compared to traditional mental health care. International studies show promising results of internet-based interventions for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders.ObjectivesTo test the effectiveness of an internet-based psychologist-guided cognitive behavioral treatment program (I-TREAT) to reduce eating disorder symptoms in Danish adolescents and adults with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial with two arms: 1) an intervention group and 2) an active control group. Participants are adolescents from the age of 15 or above, as well as adults, diagnosed with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders. The intervention group receives the I-TREAT program while the control group receives self-guided mindfulness exercises. I-TREAT comprises 12 text-based treatment sessions with psychoeducation and treatment-related tasks, based on cognitive behavioral therapy and elements of compassion-focused therapy. The treatment duration is approximately 12 to 36 weeks. Videos, pictures, and animations support the treatment content and the program is accessible by web-browser and app. A specialist in eating disorders guides the patient through treatment with task-related feedback and asynchronous written communication. Patients will answer questionnaires regarding eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, and motivational states before, during, and after treatment, with follow-up measures at 3, 6, and 12 months. We expect to include 63 patients to each group and commence recruitment in August 2023. Preliminary results from a feasibility study on I-TREAT show good evaluations from clinicians and patients (N=30).ResultsNo results have yet been obtained. The results will be submitted to international scientific journals and presented at conferences.ConclusionsThe internet-based cognitive behavioral treatment program I-TREAT may be a promising tool for effectively treating adolescents and adults with Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders in Denmark.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Meeting Young Adults' Social Support Needs across the Health Behavior Change Journey: Implications for Digital Mental Health Tools.

In pursuit of mental wellness, many find that behavioral change is necessary. This process can often be difficult but is facilitated by strong social support. This paper explores the role of social support across behavioral change journeys among young adults, a group at high risk for mental health challenges, but with the lowest rates of mental health treatment utilization. Given that digital mental health tools are effective for treating mental health conditions, they hold particular promise for bridging the treatment gap among young adults, many of whom, are not interested in - or cannot access - traditional mental healthcare. We recruited a sample of young adults with depression who were seeking information about their symptoms online to participate in an Asynchronous Remote Community (ARC) elicitation workshop. Participants detailed the changing nature of social interactions across their behavior change journeys. They noted that both directed and undirected support are necessary early in behavioral change and certain needs such as informational support are particularly pronounced, while healthy coping partnerships and accountability are more important later in the change process. We discuss the conceptual and design implications of our findings for the next generation of digital mental health tools.

Waiting Lists for Psychotherapy and Provider Attitudes Toward Low-Intensity Treatments as Potential Interventions: Survey Study.

BackgroundCommon mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, are leading causes of disability worldwide. Digital mental health interventions, such as web-based self-help and other low-intensity treatments (LITs) that are not digital (eg, bibliotherapy), have the potential to reach many individuals by circumventing common barriers present in traditional mental health care. It is unclear how often LITs are used in clinical practice, or whether providers would be interested in their use for treatment waiting lists.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to (1) describe current practices for treatment waiting lists, (2) describe providers’ attitudes toward digital and nondigital LITs for patients on a waiting list, and (3) explore providers’ willingness to use digital and nondigital LITs and their decisions to learn about them.MethodsWe surveyed 141 practicing mental health care providers (eg, therapists and psychologists) and provided an opportunity for them to learn about LITs.ResultsMost participants reported keeping a waiting list. Few participants reported currently recommending digital or nondigital LITs, though most were willing to use at least one for patients on their waiting list. Attitudes toward digital and nondigital LITs were neutral to positive. Guided digital and nondigital LITs were generally perceived to be more effective but less accessible, and unguided interventions were perceived to be less effective but more accessible. Most participants selected to access additional information on LITs, with the most popular being web-based self-help.ConclusionsResults suggest providers are currently not recommending LITs for patients on treatment waiting lists but would be willing to recommend them. Future work should explore barriers and facilitators to implementing digital and nondigital LITs for patients on treatment waiting lists.

Monitoring and treatment in patients with bipolar disorder using smartphones—New perspectives for improved quality in patient care

The rapid international growth in access to and capabilities of mobile and wireless technologies (mHealth) presents a feasible route towards augmenting traditional mental health care. The interest in mHealth science in psychiatry has been further heightened by the acknowledged potential for these tools to improve individual risk prediction and diagnostic precision, as well as improved treatment options. We have conducted research within smartphone-based monitoring and treatment in patients with bipolar disorder through the last decade. We conclude that the technological capabilities of smartphones are already changing mental health care and is accompanied by an early but promising evidence base. However, further efforts towards strengthening the evidence and implementation must be addressed for digital mental health technologies to truly improve mental health research and treatment in the future.

U.S. Immigrants and Mental Health: An Investigation of the Influence of Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination on Stress and Depression and Affordances Associated with Using Online Mental Health Applications and Online Support Groups

ABSTRACT Despite evidence that immigrants living in the United States experience significant threats to their mental health, they are less likely to seek and utilize mental health services than U.S.-born individuals. Online mental health resources may be an alternative to traditional mental health care for this population, but less is known about factors that influence immigrant mental health problems or how online technology affordances influence online mental health/therapy applications and online support communities with this population. Drawing upon minority stress theory and an affordance of health communication technology framework, the current study surveyed U.S. immigrants regarding the impact of mental health stigma and discrimination on stress and depression as well as predictors of immigrant use of online mental health/therapy applications and online mental health support communities. The study findings revealed that when controlling for number of years living in the United States, increased perceived mental health stigma was positively associated with greater perceived stress and depression. However, perceived discrimination did not predict stress or depression. Moreover, that higher perceived mental health stigma was a significant predictor of increased mental health mobile application use among immigrants, and greater weak-tie support preferences were predictive of increased online support community use. These findings are discussed alongside theoretical implications, practical considerations, limitations, and direction for future research.

Efficacy of positive psychological interventions in anxiety treatment

Psychiatry traditionally emphasizes psychopharmacology and psychotherapy as the primary modalities of treatment. Recently, however, positive psychological interventions are increasingly recognized as a treatment modality that aims to improve a patient's general wellness. Our goal is to review published data on the efficacy of positive psychological interventions (PPI) in the treatment of anxiety. A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. The keywords used were "positive psychology" and "treatment of anxiety." The search involved all articles published until 2019. To meet inclusion criteria, articles needed to report using positive psychological interventions with patients diagnosed with anxiety or suffering from anxiety symptoms. The main outcome measure was a change in anxiety levels post-intervention. Our initial literature search of 1010 articles was narrowed down to 6 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Interventions used were body-mind-spirit therapy, online positive psychology modules, self-help books, positive activity intervention, future-directed therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies. Pre- and post-treatment anxiety was measured using scales such as State Anxiety Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-Short form, Overall Anxiety Severity, Impairment Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale – Self-Report, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, Profile of Mood States, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. In all six included studies, PPI decreased anxiety symptoms with variable effect sizes. The review suggests that PPI offers therapeutic benefits to patients diagnosed with anxiety symptoms. Thus, more research is needed to examine the feasibility of incorporating PPI into the traditional mental health care.