Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Dec 23, 2020
Date Accepted: Jul 15, 2021
Functionality of mobile apps for anxiety: A systematic search and an analysis of engagement and tailoring features
ABSTRACT
Background:
In response to the high prevalence of anxiety disorders, a range of mobile apps for anxiety have been developed. However, the effectiveness of these apps is dependent on users engaging with them, which requires that relevant content is delivered to users in an engaging fashion.
Objective:
To review the functionality of cognitive behavioral therapy apps for anxiety to support user engagement and tailoring based on user needs.
Methods:
A systematic search for anxiety apps described as being based on cognitive behavioral therapy was conducted on the Android and iPhone marketplaces. 36 apps met the inclusion criteria, and were reviewed through direct use.
Results:
Provision of features to support engagement in cognitive behavioral apps for anxiety is highly uneven, and support is provided only for low-intensity CBT treatment. Options for personalization are limited and apps do not incorporate data collection through the use of sensors, in contrast to the academic literature.
Conclusions:
Engagement and tailoring features can be significantly expanded in existing apps, which make limited use of social features and clinical support. In order to guide the evolution of these interventions further research is needed, exploring the effectiveness of different types of engagement feature, and approaches to tailoring therapeutic content.
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Copyright
© The authors. All rights reserved. This is a privileged document currently under peer-review/community review (or an accepted/rejected manuscript). Authors have provided JMIR Publications with an exclusive license to publish this preprint on it's website for review and ahead-of-print citation purposes only. While the final peer-reviewed paper may be licensed under a cc-by license on publication, at this stage authors and publisher expressively prohibit redistribution of this draft paper other than for review purposes.