[Digital health applications for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder : Current state, opportunities, and challenges].

Abstract

Background: Despite the high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), no digital health application (digitale Gesundheitsanwendung, DiGA) prescribable within the German statutory health insurance system is currently available to treat the disorder.

Objective: Overview of digital intervention options for the treatment of PTSD and potential challenges in developing an effective DiGA.

Material and method: Narrative review of the current literature.

Results: Internet- and mobile-based interventions for PTSD have the potential to serve as an effective treatment option, as demonstrated by a series of meta-analyses comparing them to waiting list control groups, conditions involving no or minimal usual care, and active control groups (e.g., psychoeducation); however, specific challenges exist within the target population that go beyond commonly known barriers, such as pronounced concerns of developers and medical professionals regarding safety and potentially even lower adherence of patients.

Conclusion: The development of DiGAs for the treatment of PTSD might be perspectively promising but the aforementioned challenges must be considered in the design and implementation to ensure an effective application.