Use of digital technology and mobile applications to treat anxiety disorders

The societal burden of anxiety disorders is enormous in the United States and in many other countries. A quarter of the US population will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Although cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective at treating anxiety disorders, most individuals with anxiety disorders will go untreated as a consequence of several barriers to accessing treatment. Technology may serve as a means of addressing such barriers. This chapter reviews the application of technology for psychoeducation, training, screening, tracking, treatment, homework, and aftercare in anxiety disorders. More research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these applications in controlled trials, but preliminary evidence is promising.