Cognitive Therapy App Improves Anxiety in Young Adults, Study Suggests

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian have unveiled promising findings from a study that evaluated the effectiveness of a self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app, named Maya, in alleviating anxiety symptoms in young adults. The results, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed that the app significantly reduced anxiety levels in participants, with effects comparable to those seen in anxiety medication studies.

According to researchers, anxiety disorders have been on the rise among young adults aged 18 to 25, a critical period marked by life transitions such as starting a new job, moving away from home, or graduating from college. The study explained that the Maya app was specifically designed to address this growing concern by providing users with CBT, a gold-standard psychotherapeutic approach. The app’s interactive platform guides users through educational content, exercises, and videos that support them in implementing these techniques.

The study followed 59 participants aged 18 to 25 over a 12-week period, with nearly all participants completing the full six weeks of the primary study. On average, users engaged with approximately 11 out of 12 intervention sessions. The reduction in anxiety symptoms was not only statistically significant at six weeks but continued to improve through the 12-week follow-up period.

“This is a significant finding, especially when we consider the growing mental health crisis among young people,” said Faith Gunning, PhD, senior author of the study and associate professor of psychology in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. “The ubiquitous use of smartphones may offer a unique opportunity to provide much-needed mental health support to those who might not otherwise seek help.”

One of the challenges the researchers aimed to address was the high drop-off rate commonly seen with mental health apps. To enhance user engagement, Maya incorporated features like interactive exercises, videos, and a visually appealing user interface. The study also explored various incentive strategies, such as earning or losing points and pairing participants with a supportive person in their life. Interestingly, the study found that anxiety reduction occurred regardless of the incentive model used.

“We were thrilled to see that the app effectively reduced anxiety across the board, regardless of the engagement incentives,” said Avital Falk, PhD, co-first author and associate professor of psychology in clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. “This suggests that Maya can be a valuable tool for those seeking support, even if they are initially hesitant to engage with traditional mental health services.”

While the findings are promising, the authors noted that the Maya app is not intended to replace professional mental health care but rather to serve as an accessible tool that can provide immediate support. “Our initial results suggest the app may be an effective tool to bridge the gap for people waiting to see a therapist,” said Dr. Gunning. “As we continue to develop and refine the app, we hope to provide even more resources to those in need.”