Abstract
AbstractBackgroundAnxiety disorders are a significant societal and individual burden. Psychotherapy, while effective, is often inaccessible, leading to the rise of technology-based solutions like psychotherapeutic mobile apps. This study assesses the immediate impact of twelve exercises from the Mind Ease app, incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy, on anxiety.MethodsIn a parallel, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial with 1108 participants, we compared the effects of these exercises against two controls: reading about anxiety and normal activities. Efficacy was measured with a custom scale validated against the state subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.ResultsAll twelve exercises significantly reduced anxiety more than controls (p = 0.002 to <.001, η2P= .06 to .37, d = 0.5 to 1.5).ConclusionsThe twelve psychotherapeutic exercises proved highly effective at immediately mitigating feelings of anxiety. Future trials should explore its long-term effects.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered (clinicaltrials.govidentifier:NCT05850975,https://osf.io/36ukh).
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory