Depression comes in many forms and what all these forms have in common is that they are all paralyzing, not physically but rather mentally. There are several types of Depression observed in clinical patients that include Seasonal Affective Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Atypical Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Postpartum Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Along with its many forms, many different types of treatments are also available for Depression. Some include psychotherapy, while others make use of medications like anti-depressants. However, the treatment related to Depression comes with various limitations, such as the total time required for the treatment, extensive long waiting lists, a shortage of educated experts to provide high-quality care, and most importantly, the social stigma associated with it. In recent days, a new form of treatment has been making its mark while addressing the above limitations – Digital Therapeutics (DTx).
Making use of proven behavioural treatments, DTx is a technology that aids in the prevention and management of a particular disease or disorder (in this case, Depression). DTx provides health information, offers cognitive or motivational support, uses medical technologies to augment and strengthen treatment, and also helps in data collection.
DTx tools like online platforms and mobile applications are designed specifically for assistance in Depression, whereas wearable devices, online games, internet-based self-guides and programs, are used to ease up the treatment for the patients. The key digital therapeutics companies include MindDoc Health GmbH, Happify, Otsuka, Sanvello Health, Roble Ridge Software LLC, Touchkin, Cervelli, Neurolief Ltd., infinite game, Auckland UniServices Ltd., and others.
Ensemble, developed by Happify Health, is the first and only transdiagnostic prescription digital therapeutics that treats Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) patients. On the other hand, Otsuka’s digital pill, Abilify MyCite, is the first-ever drug-digital tracking tool that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, and Depression.
It is observed that Digital Therapeutics efficiently address the areas of unmet needs in the mental health vertical. Not only are they clinically proven, but they also fulfil regulatory standards for safety and efficacy while boosting patients’ confidence. It can be said that DTx as a mode of therapy will continue to accelerate in the coming years.