A mental health app could aid in preventing depression among young individuals who are at high risk.

A recent study reveals that a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app significantly helps prevent depression in young people at high risk, offering a cost-effective solution for public mental health. With global concerns over rising anxiety and depression rates among youth, scalable and effective preventive measures are urgently needed. Digital tools like mobile apps have been suggested as part of the answer.

While mental health apps show promise in treating anxiety and depression, this large-scale project by the University of Exeter is the first to rigorously evaluate a mental health app across four countries. Published in Lancet Digital Health, the ECoWeB-PREVENT and ECoWeB-PROMOTE trials spanned four years, funded by Horizon 2020. Results demonstrate that a CBT self-help app can protect vulnerable young individuals from depression.

Led by Professor Ed Watkins, the study found that this CBT app could have a meaningful public health impact. Participants at high risk reported better quality of life, work, and social functioning. Watkins noted, “The CBT app had a preventative effect on depression among high-risk young people. However, prevention efforts were less effective in those not showing significant risk indicators. Our findings highlight the importance of targeting those more at risk, which can be facilitated by self-screening or professional referrals.”

This £3.3-million project involved 3,700 young people aged 16 to 22 from the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Spain, divided into two trials based on emotional competence levels. The trials featured three apps: a self-monitoring app, a self-help emotional skills training app, and a CBT-based self-help app. Follow-ups at three and twelve months revealed that the CBT app effectively prevented increases in depression in higher-risk participants.

According to Professor Watkins, “Even minimal use of the CBT app provided measurable benefits. Its scalability makes it a valuable public health tool alongside digital and in-person services.” The study’s next steps include identifying the app’s most effective components and enhancing user engagement. This international collaboration involved 13 partners, including German voice analysis company audEERING and Danish app developer Monsenso.