Mental Health Apps: Enhancing Mental Health Services or Posing a Risk?

Mental health related smartphone apps | Representative image | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

In the last decade, we've witnessed a technological revolution that has transformed our lives, including the way we access mental health services. Smartphones have evolved from mere communication devices to multifaceted tools capable of everything from gaming to complex calculations, and even managing our mental well-being. Notably, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our daily routines has had a significant impact, aiding tasks as mundane as grocery shopping to as critical as health monitoring and providing support in mental health services. This technological advancement has made it easier to access various mental health resources, allowing for more discreet and convenient management of mental health issues.

Dr Soumitra Pathare, Director, Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy speaks to The Probe's Srishti Mukherjee

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Amidst this technological crescendo, a new player has been making fast-paced developments on the scene: mental health applications. These apps, promising to aid users in monitoring and managing their mental health, have proliferated at an astounding rate. They range from mindfulness and meditation apps to more specialised ones targeting depression, anxiety, and stress reduction. Even more ambitiously, some claim to address severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

At first glance, the advent of these applications appears to be a groundbreaking stride in mental health care. For many, the convenience of having mental health tools at their fingertips is unparalleled. Imagine the relief of managing anxiety through a guided meditation session on your phone, or the comfort of tracking mood fluctuations without the need for a clinical visit. These apps democratise mental health care, making it more accessible and less stigmatised.

However, as we peel back the layers, questions arise about the efficacy and safety of these digital solutions in providing mental health services. Can a smartphone app genuinely substitute for professional mental health care? How do these apps navigate the complexities and nuances of individual mental health needs? Moreover, there is the issue of data privacy and the ethical implications of using personal mental health data. The integration of technology in mental health services through these apps brings forth a critical debate on balancing the benefits of digital accessibility with the need for professional, personalised care and the protection of sensitive health information.

The Dual Nature of Smartphone Applications in Mental Health: A Closer Look

The realm of mental health services has experienced a significant transformation with the advent of smartphone applications. These mental health apps, readily accessible through mobile phones, laptops, and computers, represent a major leap forward in psychology. The convenience offered by these apps is undeniable. They enable users to connect through online platforms for conversation and support, often at no cost. This not only provides the privacy some individuals require but also limits the resources needed to a single device.

However, the story of mental health apps is not solely one of progress and convenience. These apps, being pre-programmed, are often ill-equipped to handle situational issues, and their lack of professional expertise and experience can impact their reliability. This could lead to inadequate or even harmful advice and treatment. Professional mental health workers undergo years of training and must be licensed before they can advise clients, a level of expertise that these apps cannot replicate.

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There is a growing concern that most commercially available mental health services in the form of mobile apps are not evidence-based, and some may even be dangerous. This raises the question of reliability and the potential harm they could cause, especially since human interaction and empathy, which are crucial in treatment, are absent in these virtual platforms. While they might provide some support, severe disorders require personal intervention that these apps cannot offer. Moreover, the "free" nature of most mental health apps comes with its own cost. The true price might be the user's personal mental health information, which could be accumulated and sold for profit by the app's developers. This raises serious privacy concerns. While mental health apps have brought significant advancements in accessibility and convenience, they are not without their drawbacks. The lack of standardised measures for reliability, the absence of personalised human interaction, and privacy concerns are issues that cannot be ignored.

In the rapidly evolving world of mental health apps, there are significant concerns that need urgent attention, particularly regarding the confidentiality of user data. A prevalent issue with these apps is the complex terms and conditions that users often agree to without fully reading. This oversight can lead to their data being sold or exported, risking exposure of sensitive personal information. The potential misuse of such data is not a trivial matter. It can lead to situations like cyber-bullying or exploitation of a consumer's vulnerabilities. For instance, data about a person struggling with shopping addiction could be targeted by advertisers, aggravating their condition or triggering a relapse.

Furthermore, the treatment capabilities of these apps are limited, especially for severe mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or split personality disorder. Some apps irresponsibly endorse the use of easily accessible drugs for treating mental health disorders. It's important to acknowledge that not all mental health apps are harmful. However, the overarching issue is the lack of verification regarding the effectiveness and safety of many apps. This unregulated environment can lead to detrimental effects on the mental, emotional, and physical health of users.

The lack of professional oversight in the development of these digital mental health services is a critical concern. Many are not created by licensed mental health professionals, leading users down potentially harmful paths under false pretences. This can result in an unhealthy dependence on the app, transforming a potential tool for improvement into a crutch that hinders real progress. Moreover, the constant availability of these apps may impede essential self-reflection and introspection, which are key components of mental health recovery.

Understanding the Popularity of Mental Health Apps: Breaking the Stigma

Mental health disorders and their treatment have long been shrouded in stigma. Historically, seeking professional help has been associated with negative labels, such as being 'mad' or having severe conditions like psychosis or schizophrenia. This stigma has created an environment where individuals often feel judged and are perceived negatively for acknowledging their mental health struggles. As a result, many are too ashamed or fearful to seek therapy.

One of the main barriers to seeking professional help is the myriad of misconceptions about therapy and mental health. A common belief, for instance, is that counselling could completely change one’s personality, which discourages many from even considering professional help. In such a scenario, people naturally gravitate towards more discreet methods for dealing with their issues, and this is where mental health apps come into play. They offer a private way for individuals to manage their mental health, avoiding the potential backlash of seeking specialist support.

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The growing popularity of these digital mental health services can be seen as a positive step towards demystifying therapy and mental illnesses. By providing easily accessible tools and resources, these apps play a crucial role in reducing the misconceptions and stigma associated with seeking professional help. The widespread use of these apps has the potential to normalise the conversation around mental health in our daily lives.

Mental health apps offer various approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and coping mechanisms. These features not only aid users in managing their mental health but also contribute to diminishing the overall stigma. They create virtual platforms where users can connect, share thoughts, experiences, and engage in open discussions. This virtual kinship fosters a sense of community and understanding, encouraging more open discussions about mental health. Furthermore, these apps increase awareness and understanding among users and their peers through shared experiences. They open channels for people to speak freely about mental health issues, fostering a healthy and safe environment for discussion and support.

While the positives of mental health apps are undeniable, they have inadvertently paved the way for a concerning trend. The very aspects that make these apps appealing – accessibility, privacy, and ease of use – are also contributing to the proliferation of their negative side. Unfortunately, it's becoming evident that the drawbacks of these apps are beginning to outweigh their benefits, primarily due to a lack of accountability and professional oversight.

The core of the issue lies in the fact that many of these apps are not managed using standardised procedures nor are they overseen by qualified mental health professionals. This lack of regulation and professional management leads to a myriad of problems. Users, often unaware of the qualifications (or lack thereof) of the app developers, may be receiving misguided advice or treatment that could be more harmful than beneficial.

Moreover, the absence of accountability in these digital platforms means that there are few, if any, repercussions for apps that disseminate incorrect or harmful information. This unregulated landscape allows for the unchecked growth of apps that may exploit the vulnerabilities of users for profit, without providing any real or effective mental health support.

Seeking Balance in the Use of Mental Health Apps

Mental health apps represent the intersection of technology and psychology, embodying both the advantages and drawbacks of this union. While they can be immensely beneficial, especially for psychologists and psychiatrists in terms of data collection and monitoring, they are not without their limitations. These apps have played a pivotal role in fostering an environment of open communication, significantly contributing to the reduction of stigma associated with mental health. Their cost-effectiveness and easy accessibility further add to their appeal.

However, it is crucial to understand that these apps are not equivalent to professional mental health care. They should be viewed as supplementary tools, providing support alongside, but not as a replacement for, the expertise offered by mental health professionals. The balance between utilising therapy and these digital aids is essential. Given the current lack of reliable methods to measure the effectiveness of these apps, their usage becomes most beneficial when recommended by a mental health professional, tailored to the individual needs of the user.

The crux of maximising the potential of mental health apps lies in their development process. The involvement of trained psychologists or psychiatrists is imperative in the creation of these applications. This collaboration ensures that the platforms are not only grounded in technological innovation but also in sound psychological principles. By integrating the expertise of mental health professionals, these apps can evolve into tools that genuinely contribute to the well-being of society.

While mental health apps offer a range of benefits, particularly in enhancing the accessibility of mental health services, their effective and responsible use is dependent on maintaining a balanced approach. The integration of professional insights in their development and usage is key to ensuring these digital platforms serve as valuable assets in the realm of mental health services. Only through this balanced approach can we harness the full potential of these apps, ensuring they serve as beneficial tools in the provision of mental health services, rather than mere digital novelties. This approach is crucial in bridging the gap between technology and the nuanced requirements of effective mental health care.

Dr Garima Rajan is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at FLAME University, Pune and Ishita Deshmukh is a student of Psychology at the university.