Depression is on the rise globally. To counter this, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended widespread access to cognitive behavioural therapy through computer or web-based programmes.
UEL research suggests that psychotherapy provided through a mobile app may provide “a more gentle way” to initiate therapy for individuals who have been diagnosed with depression.
For this project, students examined how e-therapies are being used to treat the most common forms of depression.
Participants studied numerous therapies, engaged with key stakeholders and helped develop potential mobile apps.
“The project has been a very interesting experience," said student Emily Green. "I’ve gained so much more real-world understanding of the implications, in terms of discrimination, of mental health as well as how technology can possibly help to overcome that."