Don’t worry, be ’Appy

Mental health apps have flooded the Google Play and Apple’s App Stores – but are they merely exploiting the vulnerable? Studies suggests mixed results. Research from the University of Liverpool found that only four of 14 apps listed in NHS apps library had any evidence of medical efficacy, although the collection has been rebooted since the paper was released.

On the other hand, some have been found to be clinically effective, including the University of Cambridge’s Wizard, a brain-training app for boosting memory in people with schizophrenia, and Moodscope from the NHS.

Anyone looking for a mental health app to augment clinical treatment should speak to their physician, and also look for one that has been developed with medical staff, is based on proven treatment techniques (such as cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness) and has been properly tested. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has reviewed a selection ( pcpro.link/279adaa), while Mind has its own list of suggestions ( pcpro.link/279mind).

For more general wellbeing and happiness boosters, the NHS has made its own app called WellMind, while Big White Wall is often recommended as an online support group. For those looking for a mood-tracking app, try Happify, which has been reviewed by mental health associations in the US, or the aforementioned Moodscope. You should also consider mindfulness and meditation apps such as Headspace or Calm, but be aware that both have paid-for subscriptions.