Commentary: Are Mental Health Apps Effective?

March 25, 2022

A new meta-analysis published in PLOS Digital found “sparse” efficacy data for mental health apps. However, this conclusion may be founded by study’s sample, according to Eliane Boucher, Ph.D, in a new PharmaPhorum commentary. She points out that the study largely analyzed wellness apps instead of digital therapeutics, the former of which is much more loosely regulated by the FDA than the latter.

According to Boucher, “There are approximately 20,000 mental health apps and the overwhelming majority are considered “wellness” products. The FDA views wellness apps as akin to over-the-counter homeopathic treatments—products with minimal risks and low potency – and they are unregulated. As few as 2% have peer-reviewed research to back up their claims.”