Digital Mental Health Innovations: The Future Might Involve Playing Video Games or Wearing Devices for Therapy, and Research Indicates It Could Be Effective
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, a new wave is making its mark - digital therapeutics. This innovative approach, as defined in a recent study, is a convergence of extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence, cloud computing, wearables, and networked platforms.
The study delved into clinical trials and case studies of various digital therapeutic products, such as NightWare, Freespira, EndeavorRx, and Sleepio. One significant finding was the FDA approval of EndeavorRx, a prescription-only video game designed to improve attention in children with ADHD, following clinical studies with over 600 kids that showed measurable improvements.
NightWare, another device, was FDA approved in 2020 and has been particularly beneficial for veterans with PTSD. It uses heart rate and movement sensors during sleep to detect nightmares and vibrates gently to interrupt them. Freespira, on the other hand, aims at treating panic attacks and PTSD by stabilizing breathing patterns through guided exercises. It recently received FDA clearance for use by teenagers.
The cultural shift in therapy involves a hybrid model of daily nudges from games or apps and monitoring from a distance by clinicians. This new approach, often referred to as "virtual mental health care," is being embraced as a cost-saving option in mental health care, with the UK's health watchdog recommending Sleepio for this purpose.
However, the digital divide is a concern, as virtual therapies may exacerbate health inequality in communities without reliable access to devices or data. Moreover, devices like Freespira and NightWare collect real-time physiological data, leading to concerns about privacy and potential data breaches.
The emerging landscape of digital mental health care is being shaped by immersive tech and clinically validated apps. The study argues that therapy is no longer confined to the therapist's office, but is embedded in various digital tools like games, apps, and sensors.
Despite the promising developments, the authors urge caution. They emphasize the need for longer trials, more diverse samples, and cultural adaptation to ensure these digital therapeutics are effective globally. They also warn that many of these technologies are being tested in short-term studies, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness.
Sleepio, for instance, offers a digital course based on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, with clinical trials showing most people slept better. These digital mental health tools are FDA-cleared or NICE-approved devices designed to treat conditions like PTSD, panic disorder, ADHD, and insomnia.
As we navigate this new frontier, it's crucial to remember that while digital therapeutics offer a promising path forward, they must be approached with care, ensuring they are accessible, effective, and privacy-protective for all.
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