Efficacy of mobile application interventions for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A systematic review

Alice Wickersham, Petros Minas Petrides, Victoria Williamson, Daniel Leightley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

BackgroundMany with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are unable to access healthcare services for treatment due to logistical, social, and attitudinal barriers. Interventions delivered via mobile applications (apps) may help overcome these barriers. ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the most recent evidence from trials investigating the efficacy of mobile apps for treating PTSD.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO and Medline were searched in February 2018. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they quantitatively evaluated the efficacy of a mobile app for treating PTSD as part of the primary aim. Findings were presented in a narrative synthesis.ResultsIn the five identified RCTs, the use of app-based interventions appeared to be associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms. However, the strength of evidence for this association appeared to be inconsistent, and there was little evidence that those using the apps experienced greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in control conditions. Nonetheless, there was some evidence that app-based interventions are both a feasible and acceptable treatment option. ConclusionsIncluded studies were often limited by small sample sizes, brief intervention and follow-up periods, and self-reported measures of PTSD. Evidence for the efficacy of mobile interventions for treating PTSD was inconclusive, but promising. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution in recommending app-based interventions until the potentially adverse effects of app use are better understood and larger scale studies have taken place.
Original languageEnglish
JournalDigital Health
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Mar 2019

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