Mental Health Apps: Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Mobile Applications In Treating Depression A Bibliometric Analysis
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Depression is a global mental health concern affecting millions of individuals. Mobile applications have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment and management of depression, providing scalable and accessible solutions.
Objective: This bibliometric analysis evaluates the research landscape on the effectiveness of mobile applications in treating depression.
Methods: The study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection to analyze English-language articles and reviews published between January 1, 2005, and June 30, 2024. A total of 914 papers were identified, including 622 original articles and 292 review articles. Trends in publication volume, key contributors, and thematic areas of focus were assessed.
Results:
- Publication Trends: Research activity has steadily increased, with 134 papers published in 2023.
- Geographical Contribution: The United States leads with 245 publications and 15,372 citations. Europe and Asia also contribute significantly, with the United Kingdom and Australia being prominent contributors in Europe.
- Key Authors and Institutions: Notable contributors include Mohammad O Heydari (Northwestern University), Torous J (Harvard Medical School), and Proudfoot J (University of Sydney). Northwestern University leads in publication volume, while the University of Sydney's works have high citation rates.
- Benchmark Journals: Key journals in this field include JMIR Mental Health, BMC Psychiatry, and PLoS ONE.
- Thematic Focus: Common terms include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, self-help, anxiety, and user engagement, highlighting current research interests.
Conclusion: This analysis underscores the importance of mobile applications in delivering scalable, accessible mental healthcare services for depression. The findings emphasize the need for sustained international collaboration and the integration of clinical psychology expertise to enhance the effectiveness of technology-based interventions in combating depression.