What is Depressed Mood?
Need some information on Depressed Mood? Watching this short video is a good place to start.
Meru is an app designed to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burnout while increasing resilience. It is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. The app also integrates heart rate variability biofeedback, to help users self-regulate and track their physical responses to stress. The app includes support from a licensed therapist, and access to peer support groups via the online community at Meru. Users are provided with guided programs and exercises to complete throughout 12 weeks. Users can track their progress in reducing symptoms of mental health challenges.
Available for iPhone Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Android 6.0 and up
Developer: Meru Health Oy
Type of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Principles, Connect to a Peer, Connect to a Provider, Mindfulness, Psychoeducation & Information, Symptom Tracking/Self-Monitoring
Targeted Conditions: Mood Disorders, Stress and Anxiety, Sleep
Target Audience: Adults, Workplaces
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? No
Languages Available: English
Cost: Free
Get it on: Apple App Store, Google Play, Web
Developer: Meru Health, Inc.
Pricing Structure: PEPM or flat rate with Health Plan reim- bursement possible.
Report Frequency: Monthly
Report Format: Emailed Report
Report Includes: Engagement, Outcomes
Connects To: EAP, Wellness Program, Healthcare Provider, Referrals, Family, Social, Other Tools
Tech Support: Email, Phone, Available 24/7
Compliance: Collects Identifiable Data, Data Deletion Upon Request, Uses Third Party Sharing, HIPAA Compliant
One study looked at the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of an 8-week Meru Health program. 20 middle-aged and older adults (mean age 61.7 years, 70% women, 60% white) showing elevated depression symptoms, were recruited to use the Meru Health program. The app was rated as helpful by 17 of the 19 participants and significant decreases in depressive and anxiety symptom measures (PHQ-9/PROMIS-Depression and GAD-7/PROMIS-Anxiety, respectively) were found. 9 of 20 participants showed clinically significant improvement in either depressive or anxiety symptoms. (Gould et al, 2021)
Another study looked at the use of Meru Health in treating clinical depression among young adults. 124 participants (mean age 25 years, 72.6% women) with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder were recruited from a university student health service. Participants were randomized into an intervention group (Meru plus treatment-as-usual [TAU]), and control group (TAU-only). Results showed no significant differences between groups through end of treatment and in follow-up. Results did show an increase in resilience (measured by XX), and mindfulness (measured by XX). There was also greater reduction in perceived stress in the intervention group versus the TAU group 6 months post-intervention.
We review apps against rating criteria developed by experts in the field. Some of those criteria are:
We look at the research supporting the technology and the credibility of the development process.
We review privacy policies to see if key pieces of information about what happens with entered data are addressed.
We explore how fun, functional, easy-to-use, engaging, and interesting the technology is.
A professional in a relevant field downloads and uses the technology and writes a narrative review, highlighting pros & cons and some recommendations for use.