Forbes (3/31, Disalvo) contributor David DiSalvo wrote, “Findings from a new study” published online March 22 in Nature Digital Medicine “suggest that users should be cautious” when it comes to mental health apps that claim “to effectively diagnose and manage several disorders.” The study found that “not only do few of the apps rely on real-world experience in their design,” but also that “most also lack any credible scientific evidence to support their claims.” Investigators arrived at these findings after having “identified 1,435 mental health apps from the two most popular app stores (iTunes and Google Play), and then” focusing “on 73 of the apps ‘representing the most highly ranked’ to evaluate their claims.” The study authors also noted that “these findings are important as industry certification options are discussed to improve offerings to consumers, along with screening of apps by accredited organizations like the American Psychiatric Association.”
Related Links:
— “Study: Mental Health Apps Are Loaded With Scientific Language, But Light On Scientific Evidence, “David DiSalvo, Forbes, March 31, 2019