Digital mental health interventions for anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
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引用次数: 15
Abstract
University students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, with anxiety and depression identified as the most common conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, self-isolation, and difficulties linked to online teaching and learning have increased their burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Thus, the urgent need to intervene in favour of these vulnerable subjects, together with the difficulties in delivering in-person interventions because of lockdowns and restrictions, has led to prioritize digital mental health strategies. This study aimed at systematically reviewing the existing literature on digital mental health interventions targeting anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 emergency. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo databases identified eight randomized controlled trials. Regarding anxiety symptoms, digitally delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and mind-body practice techniques emerged as valid strategies, while digital positive psychology and mindfulness-based interventions showed mixed results. On the other hand, digitally delivered dialectical behaviour therapy and positive psychology interventions have shown some efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms. Overall, the available literature, albeit of low quality, seems to support the role of digital interventions in promoting the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
期刊介绍:
The Spanish Journal of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SJPMH), incorporated into ISSN 1888-9891, is the official scientific publication of the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health. The journal focuses on studying mental illnesses, their pathological processes, and their psychosocial consequences, and aims to disseminate scientific advances in all areas related to mental health and illness. SJPMH accepts unpublished works on psychiatry and mental health, including their medical and social implications. The journal provides space for research in the biological, clinical, and psychosocial fields. Manuscripts undergo peer-review by external reviewers before being accepted for publication. SJPMH is indexed in Index Medicus/Medline, IBECS, Social Sciences Citation Index Journal Citation Reports/Social Sciences Edition, and Current Contents/Social and Behavioral Sciences.