A randomized trial tested a smartphone program called EASE against a mindfulness and relaxation app. The study included 822 adults in the United States who had elevated anxiety or depression. The group was racially and ethnically diverse. The trial ran during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After 6 months, the two apps had similar results. The difference between them in anxiety and depression symptoms was small and not statistically significant. This means the study did not prove that one app was better than the other. Within each group, people did report decreases in anxiety, depression, and related measures over time. These included probable clinical anxiety or depression status, anxiety sensitivity, and COVID-19 fear.
The study did not report safety information, such as side effects or how many people stopped using the apps. One limitation is that the exploratory subgroup analyses were not designed to test whether one app worked better for certain groups of people.
Both apps were described as low cost and easy to share widely. They offered some clinical benefit in a diverse sample during the pandemic. But because the difference between the apps was not statistically significant, readers should not assume one is clearly better than the other. If you are considering a digital tool for anxiety or depression, talk with your doctor about what might be right for you.
Common questions
What was the main finding of this digital mental health app study?
The study compared a smartphone program called EASE with a mindfulness and relaxation app in 822 adults with elevated anxiety or depression. After 6 months, the difference between the two apps in anxiety and depression symptoms was small and not statistically significant. Both groups reported decreases in symptoms over time.
Who was included in this study?
The study included 822 racially and ethnically diverse adults from the United States. All had elevated anxiety, depression, or both. The trial took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study did not report results for specific subgroups because those analyses were not powered to test differences.
Were there any side effects from the apps?
The study did not report safety information, including adverse events, serious adverse events, or how many people stopped using the apps. Because this information was not reported, it is not possible to say whether the apps had any side effects or tolerability issues based on this study alone.
Does this mean one app is better than the other?
No. The difference between the two apps was small and not statistically significant. This means the study did not prove that one app was better than the other. Both apps were described as low cost and easy to share widely, and both groups showed decreases in symptoms over the 6-month follow-up.
