Apps Are Meant to Help Against Depression: What Digital Therapies Can Achieve

What happened

A young woman named Miriam used the app Deprexis to help with depression. She got it through her health insurance after a first talk with a therapist did not lead to a therapy place. The app uses set dialogues that change based on the answers a user picks. It covers topics like activity, handling hard thoughts, relaxation, and problem solving.

Key facts

• DiGAs are listed in the registry of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
• Doctors or psychotherapists can prescribe them. For people with statutory insurance, the health insurance pays the cost.
• Many tested mental health apps disappear from the market after some time.
• Under current rules, DiGAs for depression are only approved for adults aged 18 and over.

Not just a mood app

A DiGA is not the same as a normal wellness or self-help app. It is checked and listed by a federal institute. Still, a proven app is not guaranteed to stay available. Experts also say a digital program is not right for everyone. A person who is too tired to open the app during a bad phase may need other or extra help.

Why it matters

Many people wait a long time for a therapy place. Digital programs may help bridge that wait, or help people practice skills between therapy sessions. Experts stress that the key is using what you learn, not just spending time on the screen. The German national guideline suggests these programs work best with proper diagnosis and support from a therapist, and that someone checks whether the app is actually being used and helping.

What to watch

• Whether tested apps stay available on the market over time.
• How well digital programs work for older patients, since studies show they often benefit too.
• Whether approval rules change, for example for younger users under 18.