Digital tools for prevention and treatment of depression: Lessons from the institute for international internet interventions for health

Abstract

There is now substantial evidence that major depressive episodes can be prevented and treated effectively with psychological interventions administered by trained lay and professional providers. There is also evidence that depression can be prevented and treated using self-help digital interventions such as websites and apps, and that their effectiveness increases if these interventions are supported by guides or coaches. In this commentary we describe digital approaches for depression developed and tested across the world by Palo Alto University's Institute for International Internet Interventions for Health. We recommend the creation of digital apothecaries to increase access to in-person interventions by 1) training more providers, and 2) developing tools providers can use to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions, and to provide access to self-help interventions that can be used directly by anyone with 3) either guides or coaches to reduce dropout, or 4) as fully automated interventions.