The efficacy of mindfulness apps on symptoms of depression and anxiety: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Mindfulness apps produce small but significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to control groups. A meta-analysis of 45 randomized controlled trials found effect sizes of g = 0.24 for depression (46 comparisons, 5,852 participants) and g = 0.28 for anxiety (48 comparisons, 6,082 participants). These benefits were not due to symptom worsening in control groups and remained when restricting to higher-quality trials. No significant moderators were identified, except that studies offering monetary compensation showed larger effects on depression. When compared to active therapeutic interventions, mindfulness apps showed non-significant effects, though few studies were available. The evidence suggests mindfulness apps can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, but more rigorous studies with longer follow-up are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mindfulness apps have become popular tools for addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Since the publication of earlier meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy of mindfulness apps for depression and anxiety symptoms, over 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted. There is a need for an updated meta-analysis that quantifies the effects of mindfulness apps on these symptoms and tests for potential moderators.. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted on 45 RCTs. Small, significant effect sizes were found for symptoms of depression (Ncomp = 46, N = 5852, g = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.31, NNT = 13.57) and anxiety (Ncomp = 48, N = 6082, g = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.35, NNT = 11.47) in favour of mindfulness apps over control groups. This effect was not explained by symptom deterioration in participants allocated to control groups. Effects remained stable when restricting analyses to lower risk of bias and larger sample trials. No significant moderators were observed, except trials that offered monetary compensation produced larger effects on depression. Non-significant effects were observed when comparing mindfulness apps to active therapeutic comparisons (g = -0.15 depression, g = 0.10 anxiety), though the number of studies was low. Growing evidence indicates that mindfulness apps can acutely reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, although higher quality studies with longer follow-ups are needed.