Choosing apps for Bipolar Disorder
If you read with interest the New York Times article that we linked to in the “eMH in the media” thread of the forum last week, you may also be interested in what Jennifer Nicholas, one of the researchers here at Black Dog Institute, has to say as a result of a recent review she has done of apps designed for use by people with bipolar disorder:
“Many people have smartphones and smartphone users love apps. Interest in health-related apps is rising, including apps to help people with chronic health conditions such as bipolar disorder. Apps are cost-effective, accessible, anonymous, and convenient.
Smartphone apps can be used to deliver interventions and psychoeducation, supplement treatment, and enhance therapeutic reach. While the evidence-based development of apps for bipolar disorder is in its infancy, there has been an explosion of publicly available apps. Unfortunately, there are no clear guidelines to assist users in selecting the best app for their needs.
A recent review of apps for bipolar disorder by Jennifer Nicholas, a PhD candidate at the Black Dog Institute, identified a number of considerations that clinicians should keep in mind when recommending apps for bipolar disorder.
#1 Privacy and security of data
Research indicates that this is a major consideration for consumers. The majority of currently available apps for bipolar disorder do not have a privacy policy detailing data protection, storage, and sharing practices.
#2 App rating
Higher user-given star ratings are not associated with greater quality of content. Although there are not any other easy indicators of app quality, resist relying on user reviews.
#3 App quality
Few apps followed best-practice guidelines or established resources, leading to overall low quality. This is particularly true of apps providing psychoeducation, with many containing incorrect or even dangerous information. Even simple monitoring apps can be unsuitable, as many do not have an appropriate mood scale for bipolar disorder.
The use of apps to support treatment in bipolar disorder is an exciting possibility however it is important to assess apps carefully and essential to familiarise yourself with apps before recommending them to patients.
To keep updated with research developments in this area visit:
Gerhard is a full professor of Clinical Psychology at Linköping University, Sweden since 2003, an
d affiliated researcher at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. Professor Andersson is an internationally recognized researcher in the field of CBT delivered through information and communication technology, as well as the author of the book “The Internet and CBT: a clinical guide”.
UPDATED
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn moreBye bye articulate it was nice knowing you, have a nice life. Bye bye articulate it was nice knowing you, have a nice life. Bye bye articulate it was nice knowing you, have a nice life. Bye bye articulate it was nice knowing you, have a nice life. Bye bye articulate it was nice knowing you, have a nice life.
The PTSD Program for people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Do you know anyone who has difficulty motivating themselves to exercise? I think we all know people who get too depressed to exercise or too anxious to leave the house. But there are other people who, despite a lack of “diagnosis”, find exercise hugely difficult to contemplate.