mHealth Applications for Childhood Anxiety Disorders: Current Landscape, Challenges, and Future Directions


SARI ÖZTÜRK Ç., DEMİR K.

Current Psychiatry Reports, cilt.27, sa.7, ss.429-440, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 27 Sayı: 7
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11920-025-01613-9
  • Dergi Adı: Current Psychiatry Reports
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.429-440
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: App evaluation models, Childhood anxiety disorders, Digital mental health tools, mHealth applications, Pediatric mental health, Privacy in digital health
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose of Review: We review the literature on mHealth applications for childhood anxiety disorders, highlighting current use, limitations, and future directions. Recent Findings: Although mHealth apps targeting childhood anxiety disorders have recently increased, most have not been evaluated for clinical effectiveness, data security, or quality standards. Many apps do not contain scientifically based content and do not adequately incorporate the principles of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy. In addition, many apps have significant deficiencies in age-appropriateness, data security, privacy, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility. Limitations remain in terms of the standards for evaluating apps in pediatric populations. Summary: While interest in mHealth applications for childhood anxiety disorders is increasing, more research is needed to develop effective, safe, and age-appropriate digital interventions. Priorities include scientific grounding, privacy, equitable access, gamification, and parental involvement. Studies in this direction will increase the quality of applications and strengthen equality in access to mental health services.