Building a digital intervention to support young people with disordered mood and on the waiting list to optimise safety, acceptability and effectiveness.

Abstract

The UK Government's new 10-year health plan encourages a move to digital strategies. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) may reduce symptoms and impairments in people who have mental health conditions. While many apps have been produced, few undergo formal evaluation and fewer still are regulated as medical devices. Service providers struggle to know which to deploy. DMHIs could reduce distress and preserve or improve function among young people, as well as prepare young people on waiting lists to engage in psychotherapy once seen. However, it is essential that DMHIs are rigorously evaluated, co-developed with all major stakeholders and then monitored during implementation.