The era of digital mental health interventions: we know they can be effective but are they also safe?

Abstract

Over the past two decades, digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have seen a surge in studies with people experiencing mental ill-health, whether this be via web-based platforms, smartphone applications, text messages or other digital devices. Although DMHIs already demonstrate evidence of their acceptability and some of their effectiveness among different populations, the information about their safety is less clear. This Editorial reflects on a Delphi study by Taher and colleagues that explored the regulation of DMHIs and generated ten safety recommendations. We discuss these recommendations in the context of existing relevant literature and provide suggestions for further steps to advance research and policy on DMHIs in the UK and globally. Further dialog is needed, including the views and experiences of all key stakeholders, and particularly of people with lived experience, to ensure DMHIs are not only an acceptable and potentially effective treatment approach, but also safe for those that use them.