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MoodGYM Review

MoodGYM Screenshots
Credibility

Credibility

5.00 / 5.00

Overall Score: 11/11

Proposed Goal: 2/2
Evidence-Based Content: 1/1
Clinical Input in Development: 1/1
Research on Development Process: 1/1
Efficacy of Other Products: 1/1
Research Independence and Review: 2/2
Research Base: 3/3

Note: Consumer Ratings and Software Update Scores are not available for Web Apps

Rating Date: December 2022

 

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User Experince

User Experience

3.31 / 5.00

Engagement: 2.90 Functionality: 3.00 Aesthetics: 2.83 Information: 4.52 Subjective quality score: 3.63 Perceived impact score: 3.75 Rating date: August 2016 Rated by: Queensland University

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Transparency

Transparency

Unacceptable

Overall Score: Unacceptable

Does the app have a privacy policy?:Yes

Does the privacy policy describe the information storage and sharing procedures related to user entered information, OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes

Does the privacy policy state that the app/server encrypts/de-identifies the entered data OR state that user information is stored locally?:No/Can’t Tell

Does the app provide the option of a pin entry or log-in process to view and enter user data?:Yes

Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can use the app WITHOUT entering identifiable information, OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes

Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can delete entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes

Does the privacy policy state whether or not users can edit entered information OR state that user information is stored locally?:Yes

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MoodGYM is a web-based program that offers education and skills-practice for users struggling with common symptoms of depression or anxiety. Using principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), MoodGYM encourages users to learn and practice new ways of thinking and reacting to daily situations. This can begin to change problematic or irrational thinking that may be contributing to a mental illness. MoodGYM consists of five interactive modules with exercises and quizzes. Users can also access a workbook with all of the exercises and quizzes they encounter through the program. MoodGYM is available for an annual fee of $27.00.

Read the Professional Review for MoodGym: A Professional Review

Technical Details

Available for: Web
Developer: eHub Health
Type of Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Principles
Targeted Conditions: Mood Disorders, Stress and Anxiety
Target Audience: Adults, Adolescents
Designed to be used in conjunction with a professional? No
Languages Available: English, German
Cost: Payment Required
Get it on: Web

Research on this App

One study looked at the use of MoodGYM to improve overall mental well-being amongst a general population. This was measured primarily using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). Secondary outcomes measures were the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire (EQ-5D) quality of life scores, physical activity, and health service use. Participants were randomly assigned to a wait-list control group. 1529 out of 3070 recruited participants completed the final follow-up after 12 weeks (1123 out of 1536 in the control group, and 406 out of 1535 in the intervention group). Results showed significant improvements for the intervention group at 12 weeks for the WEBWMS scale. There were also significant improvements in self-rated scores of depression and anxiety. It is worth noting the high rates of attrition that is seen when web-based interventions are administered without coaching or the support of a therapist or provider. (Powell, J., Hamborg, T., Stallard, N., Burls, A., McSorley, J., Bennett, K., … & Christensen, H. 2013. https://www.jmir.org/2013/1/e2)

Another study looked at the use of MoodGYM in a clinical setting. 149 clients who were a part of public mental health programs were chosen to participate, and were randomized to wait list control and treatment conditions. There were high rates of dropout from the program, and at the end data was analyzed for 28 MoodGYM (treatment) participants and 38 wait list control participants. Results showed that MoodGYM was significantly more effective for reducing symptoms of general psychological distress and stress, but not depression, anxiety, or impaired daily functioning. It is once again worth noting the high rates of attrition seen when web-based interventions are provided as front-line treatments. (Twomey, C., O’Reilly, G., Byrne, M., Bury, M., White, A., Kissane, S., … & Clancy, N. 2014. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bjc.12055?casa_token=VUh4LQAC1bwAAAAA:aCgpGrVrAP-GoYq0_CadOcdRmbcJXyeeylsuuZLeu7e7UTuUWLEHp9kAxy3fpHqDoQQ43SjrnOYJfd9pGg)

Another study looked at the use of MoodGYM as an intervention for reducing suicidal ideation in medical interns. Interns were randomly assigned to a control group (N=99), or a treatment group (N=100). The authors used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure suicidal ideation. The results showed that interns assigned to the treatment group were 60% less likely to endorse suicidal ideation during their internship year. (Guille, C., Zhao, Z., Krystal, J., Nichols, B., Brady, K., & Sen, S. 2015. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2467822?casa_token=n58ochULz5oAAAAA:naBtLBZj7T-kIv95-ZUPfhwq9XECOwBCY70_RPQ6Eav53IF4Z1h0Ksxv4_HXMJ5t0jskKsKigM7H)

An acceptability study was done in 2014 which found that web-based CBT interventions as first-aid for mild to moderate mental health problems have broad acceptability. (Schneider, J., Foroushani, P. S., Grime, P., & Thornicroft, G. 2014. https://www.jmir.org/2014/3/e90/)

How we evaluate

We review apps against rating criteria developed by experts in the field. Some of those criteria are:

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Credibility

We look at the research supporting the technology and the credibility of the development process.

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Transparency

We review privacy policies to see if key pieces of information about what happens with entered data are addressed.

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User Experience

We explore how fun, functional, easy-to-use, engaging, and interesting the technology is.

ProfessionalReviews

Professional Reviews

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