The use and effectiveness of smartphone applications for treating mental health and well-being

Smartphone applications are increasingly used in clinical practice, especially for the treatment of physical and mental health.
Data from online questionnaires completed by 1,989 adults indicated that a higher preference for using smartphone apps to address well-being (43%) rather than mental health (18%), these respondents were more likely to be younger females. Predictors of smartphone application use were factors linked to problematic use, COVID-19 impact, and mental health problems.
According to the authors, younger women rely on the use of smartphones for treating mental health and well-being as opposed to traditional psychotherapy or psychopharmacology care. The safety and efficacy of smartphone applications need to be emphasized in clinical practice given the benefits associated with such technology.