Episode description

Clinical Efficacy and Psychological Mechanisms of an App-Based Digital Therapeutic for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial

In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and Alexandra Roy discuss a pioneering randomized controlled trial evaluating the clinical efficacy and mechanisms of the Unwinding Anxiety app for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The app integrates mindfulness training to disrupt worry and anxiety cycles driven by reinforcement learning. Results show a 67% reduction in anxiety for app users compared to 14% for controls, with significant improvements in mindfulness, reduced worry, and heightened interoceptive awareness. This conversation delves into the potential for evidence-based digital therapeutics to address widespread mental health needs at scale, offering novel solutions for a world increasingly burdened by anxiety.

Full Reference:
Roy, A., Hoge, E. A., Abrante, P., Druker, S., Liu, T., & Brewer, J. A. (2021). Clinical efficacy and psychological mechanisms of an app-based digital therapeutic for generalized anxiety disorder: randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(12), e26987. https://doi.org/10.2196/26987

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