Development and Preliminary Feasibility Study of a Brief Behavioral Activation Mobile Application (Behavioral Apptivation) to Be Used in Conjunction With Ongoing Therapy. Issue 1 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dahne, Jennifer; Kustanowitz, Jacob; Lejuez, C.W.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 25:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: behavioral activation -- depression -- mHealth; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2017.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Abstract: Depressive symptoms are the most frequently treated psychiatric condition in the United States. Brief behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) is a popular, evidence-based psychotherapy with strong research support for the treatment of depression. In this paper, we describe the development and initial pilot feasibility testing of a BATD mobile application (Behavioral Apptivation) to be used by patients and therapists in conjunction with BATD therapy. We present information regarding the app development process as well as results from a small open-label feasibility trial of the app utilized in conjunction with individual BATD. We include a case series from the open-label trial highlighting how Behavioral Apptivation can be utilized in clinical practice. Highlights: Behavioral Apptivation is a mobile app adjunct to BATD. Behavioral Apptivation consists of a patient mobile app and a therapist Web site. We conducted a small feasibility trial of Behavioral Apptivation used with BATD. Patients on average had a 43% reduction in depression from pre- to posttreatment. Behavioral Apptivation is now available for use by clinicians and patients.