Mobile Technology Boosts Effectiveness in Psychotherapy and Behaviour Support

A recent study showed via meta-analysis of the literature “on the effects of mobile technology on treatment outcome for psychotherapy and other behavioral interventions” showed significant outcomes, and “was associated with superior treatment outcome across all study designs and control conditions.” Included were clinical trials testing the benefits of smartphone apps, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and text messaging systems used to both supplement treatment or substitute for direct contact with a clinician. A subset of studies looked at when technology is added as an adjunct to traditional forms of therapy. The addition of “treatment + mobile” for example, revealed a positive therapeutic outcome “only slightly more modest” but still statistically significant. Oliver Lindhiem of the Dept of Psychiatry, U Pittsburgh, and his colleagues suggest that, “Overall, the results support the role of mobile technology for the delivery of psychotherapy and other behavioral interventions.”