Effectiveness of telepsychiatry interventions for youth with depressive and/or anxiety disorders: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Abstract

ObjectiveSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression in youth have risen. Telepsychiatry is a potential mode of intervention for such digital natives. This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of telepsychiatry for youth with depression and/or anxiety.MethodsFour electronic databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, were searched from their inception to May 12, 2024. Included studies were assessed for study quality and risk of bias.ResultsA search returning 29,944 records yielded 26 included studies, comprising 1,558 youths. Of 13 studies comparing depressive symptoms pre- and post-telepsychiatry intervention, symptom severity was significantly lower post-intervention compared to baseline (Hedges' g: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.59, 1.08). Similarly, of six studies comparing pre- and post-telepsychiatry intervention anxiety symptoms, anxiety scores were significantly lower post-intervention (Hedges' g: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.50). Patients undergoing telepsychiatry also had superior outcomes when compared to waitlist control groups for depression (Hedges' g: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.85) but not anxiety (Hedges' g: 0.50; 95% CI: -0.09, 1.10). Certainty of these estimates ranged from moderate to very low. Qualitative feedback noted subjective improvement in symptoms and high levels of satisfaction.ConclusionTelepsychiatry has potential as a therapeutic intervention for youth anxiety and depression. Further research with more controlled methodology is needed for development of recommendations that can guide growing use of this technology.