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Introduction: Mental health Applications (MH Apps) can potentially improve access to high-quality mental health care. However, the recent rapid expansion of MH Apps has created growing concern regarding their safety and effectiveness, leading to the development of AETs (Assessment and Evaluation Tools) to help guide users. This article provides a critical, mixed methods analysis of existing AETs for MH Apps by reviewing the criteria used to evaluate MH Apps and assessing their effectiveness as evaluation tools.
Methods: To identify relevant AETs, gray and scholarly literature were located through stakeholder consultation, Internet searching via Google and a literature search of bibliographic databases Medline, APA PsycInfo, and LISTA. Materials in English that provided a tool or method to evaluate MH Apps and were published from January 1, 2000, to January 26, 2021 were considered for inclusion.
Results: Thirteen relevant AETs targeted for MH Apps met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative analysis of AETs and their evaluation criteria revealed that despite purporting to focus on MH Apps, the included AETs did not contain criteria that made them more specific to MH Apps than general health applications. There appeared to be very little agreed-upon terminology in this field, and the focus of selection criteria in AETs is often IT-related, with a lesser focus on clinical issues, equity, and scientific evidence. The quality of AETs was quantitatively assessed using the AGREE II, a standardized tool for evaluating assessment guidelines. Three out of 13 AETs were deemed 'recommended' using the AGREE II.
Discussion: There is a need for further improvements to existing AETs. To realize the full potential of MH Apps and reduce stakeholders' concerns, AETs must be developed within the current laws and governmental health policies, be specific to mental health, be feasible to implement and be supported by rigorous research methodology, medical education, and public awareness.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1196491 | DOI Listing |
Hum Brain Mapp
September 2025
Tri-Institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Investigating neuroimaging data to identify brain-based markers of mental illnesses has gained significant attention. Nevertheless, these endeavors encounter challenges arising from a reliance on symptoms and self-report assessments in making an initial diagnosis. The absence of biological data to delineate nosological categories hinders the provision of additional neurobiological insights into these disorders.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Dermatol
September 2025
Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Stroke
September 2025
Brain Language Laboratory, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany (A.-T.P.J., M.R.O., A.S., F.P.).
Background: Intensive language-action therapy treats language deficits and depressive symptoms in chronic poststroke aphasia, yet the underlying neural mechanisms remain underexplored. Long-range temporal correlations (LRTCs) in blood oxygenation level-dependent signals indicate persistence in brain activity patterns and may relate to learning and levels of depression. This observational study investigates blood oxygenation level-dependent LRTC changes alongside therapy-induced language and mood improvements in perisylvian and domain-general brain areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStroke
September 2025
Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. (V.Y., B.C.V.C., L.C., L.O., M.W.P.).
Background: To assess the efficacy and safety of tenecteplase in patients presenting within 24 hours of symptom onset with a large vessel occlusion and target mismatch on perfusion computed tomography.
Methods: ETERNAL-LVO was a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point, phase 3, superiority trial where adult participants with a large vessel occlusion, presenting within 24 hours of onset with salvageable tissue on computed tomography perfusion, were randomized to tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg or standard care across 11 primary and comprehensive stroke centers in Australia.