A study from researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian has shown that a self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app named Maya is effective in significantly lowering anxiety levels in young adults dealing with mental health issues. The reduction in anxiety symptoms was both clinically and statistically meaningful at the six-week mark, and this positive trend persisted through the 12-week follow-up, showing results comparable to those found in studies involving anxiety medications.
Published on August 20 in JAMA Network Open, the research examined the responses of young adults aged 18 to 25 to the Maya CBT app, which was developed by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine starting in 2019 with input from Weill Cornell Information Technologies & Services. CBT is a recognized therapeutic approach that equips users with the necessary tools to change their thinking patterns, tackle difficult behaviors, and develop effective coping mechanisms. An impressive 98 percent of the 59 participants completed the full six weeks of the main study and averaged around 11 out of the 12 provided sessions.
Though Maya is not a substitute for professional therapy, it offers CBT-based strategies. The app includes tools for skill development and delivers instant feedback aimed at alleviating stress and countering negative thoughts.
“There is considerable discourse about the adverse effects of technology on mental health within this demographic,” remarked Dr. Faith M. Gunning, the study’s senior author and associate professor of psychology in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. “However, the widespread use of smartphones could potentially serve as a means for addressing anxiety, particularly for individuals who may not seek help from mental health professionals even when it is accessible. If the app can help mitigate symptoms, users might find it easier to take the pivotal step of consulting a mental health specialist when necessary.”
Addressing Anxiety in Young Adults
Maya was specifically designed to alleviate anxiety during early adulthood, a period marked by various stress-inducing transitions such as beginning a new job, relocating, or graduating from college. Data has shown that anxiety disorders are rising in prevalence among young people aged 18 to 25 more than in any other age bracket.
The app serves as an interactive platform, guiding users through a combination of videos, exercises, and educational materials aimed at fostering the acquisition and application of new skills. Although CBT techniques have proven successful in treating anxiety, the researchers acknowledged the difficulties many face in accessing clinicians due to a shortage, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. In the interim, a self-directed mobile app could bridge the gap until mental health professionals are available, especially for younger individuals who are adept with digital tools.
“We believe there is potential in these types of apps, but they are only beneficial if they are utilized,” stated Dr. Jennifer N. Bress, co-first author of the study and the Peter Edwin Stokes, M.D. Clinical Scholar in Psychobiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Our goal was to create an evidence-based app to empirically determine if it genuinely engages users and addresses their anxiety.” While substantial clinical evidence supports CBT’s effectiveness in treating anxiety, validating the app through clinical trials is crucial to confirm its efficacy.
Acknowledging that many individuals download apps but use them only briefly before deleting them, this app incorporated features designed to enhance engagement, including interactive exercises, videos, and an attractive user interface based on feedback from test groups.
Engagement-Centric Design
To further encourage user motivation, the researchers divided the 59 study participants into three groups, each with different incentives. These included chances to earn points, potential penalties to lose points, and rewards that involved partnering with someone in their lives who would boost their motivation throughout the process. Participants could earn virtual “medals” for reaching certain point thresholds.
Unexpectedly, the study revealed that the Maya app was effective in reducing anxiety regardless of the type of incentive participants received.
“These findings suggest that the app is an accessible and effective resource for individuals seeking support with anxiety. It’s amazing to see our concepts take shape,” expressed Dr. Avital Falk, the Charisse Chinery Clinical Scholar in Psychiatry and associate professor of psychology in clinical psychiatry, who also helped design the app’s content.
“Meeting the mental health needs of our society is a challenge given the limited number of clinical providers,” Dr. Gunning noted, who is also the George Alexopoulos, M.D. Honorary Director of the Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Our preliminary findings imply that the app may serve as a valuable resource for people waiting to consult a therapist.”
Many physicians and scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine collaborate with external organizations to promote scientific innovation and provide expert guidance, ensuring transparency regarding these relationships. For further details, please refer to the profiles of Dr. Faith Gunning and Dr. Jennifer Bress.
This research was funded by The Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian, along with several foundations and funds dedicated to advancing children’s health and neuropsychiatric disorders.
