What is Depressed Mood?
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LifeArmor aims to provide information, assessment, and self-management tools for those in the military community. The home page lists 16 topics for the user to choose from, ranging between Anger, Family with Kids, and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Each topic contains sections: Learn, Assessment, and Tools. ‘Learn’ provides information on the causes, characteristics, and potential solutions to common mental health problems. ‘Assessment’ uses brief self-assessment tools to help the user measure and track symptoms relevant to the topic area. ‘Tools’ includes a variety of information about and guidance on self-management techniques relevant to the topic area, with exercises based on cognitive behavioral therapy (e.g., Grounding, Relax/Breathe, Gratitude). Other features include access to the complete list of ‘Tools’, local resources and information about the app as well as a PIN/Password option to secure the app.
Available for: Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Requires Android 4.4 and up.
Developer: National Center for Telehealth & Technology
Type of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Principles, Mindfulness, Symptom Tracking/Self-Monitoring, Psychoeducation & Information, Assessments/Screening, Gratitude
Targeted Conditions: Mood Disorders, Stress and Anxiety, PTSD, Addictions or Substance Use, Sleep
Target Audience: Adults, Military Personnel
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? No
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free
Get it on: Apple App Store, Google Play
In one study published in 2017, LifeArmor was used in combination with other apps to help explore the use of apps for providing training for managing symptoms PTSD. 144 service members or family members (54 percent males, 87 percent SMs) were provided the set of apps. Participants used the apps for 6 weeks, and were randomized to a treatment group (brief cognitive-behavioral session, followed by daily text messages directing app use) or a control group (daily text messages of inspirational quotes). Both groups reported reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms during the 6-week intervention. Reductions were sustained at 3 months, but exhibited partial rebound at 6-12 months. (Roy, M. J., Costanzo, M. E., Highland, K. B., Olsen, C., Clayborne, D., & Law, W. 2017. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cyber.2017.0221)
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