Smartphone apps to help children with mild symptoms of depression
Mental health issues among young children have seen a significant rise over recent years — according to research by the Nuffield Trust the proportion of children and young people saying they have a mental health condition has grown six fold in England over two decades.
But waiting lists for treatment have also increased, with three-quarters of young people referred to NHS mental health services waiting so long to be seen that their condition deteriorates further by the time they see a doctor, a report by charity Young Minds has found.
Now youngsters will be able to get help for mild depression through apps on their smartphone offering coginitive behavioural treatment (CBT) in a bid to avoid such delays.
NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, is recommending that “Digital CBT is delivered on mobile phones, tablets or computers and can be made readily available.”
The aim is to avoid lengthy waiting lists and to give children and young people faster access to help. The NHS feels that this new treatment will be effective for those who suffer from mild to moderate depression.
Research has shown cognitive behavioural therapy to be most effective at reducing depressive symptoms.
“This is a positive step and offers clear advantages,” explained senior doctor Max Davie, Officer for Health at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
