The present study aims to examine whether users perceive a therapeutic alliance with an AI conversational agent (Wysa) and observe changes in the t'herapeutic over brief time period. A sample of who screened positively on PHQ-4 for anxiety or depression symptoms (N = 1,205) digital mental health application (app) Wysa were administered WAI-SR within 5 days installing app gave second assessment same measure after 3 226). anonymised transcripts user's conversations also examined through...

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and associated behavioral disorders are highly prevalent in children adolescents, yet many of them do not receive the care they need. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) may address this need by providing accessible high-quality care. Given necessity for high levels caregiver primary practitioner involvement addressing ADHD symptoms problems, collaborative that adopt a whole-family approach be particularly well suited to reduce...

Abstract Social media is an integral part of adolescents’ daily lives, but the significant time they invest in social has raised concerns about effect on their mental health. Bans and severe restrictions use are quickly emerging as attempt to regulate use; however, evidence supporting effectiveness limited. Adolescents experience several benefits from media, including increased connection, reduced loneliness, a safe space for marginalized groups (eg, LGBTQ+) interact. Rather than enforcing...

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of virtual therapy-delivered habit reversal training (HRT) in large real-world samples children, adolescents, and adults with trichotillomania excoriation disorder. Methods: The sample included 543 patients (57 75 408 adults) 528 disorder (40 46 442 adults). Treatment followed a protocol twice-weekly HRT sessions, transitioning to weekly sessions. Repetitive Body Focused Behavior Scale (RBFBS) was administered at baseline, weeks 5-7, 14-16, during...

Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a form of OCD where thoughts focus on romantic partners and relationships. Past research has detailed the harmful effects ROCD affected individuals their However, no work to date identified relationship mechanisms that may play pivotal role in affecting course severity ROCD. In present article, we outline how dyadic patterns interaction can contribute via (a) reinforcement cognitive distortions (e.g., by promoting overvaluation thoughts)...

Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a form of OCD where thoughts focus on romantic partners and relationships. Past research has detailed the harmful effects ROCD affected individuals their However, no work to date identified relationship mechanisms that may play pivotal role in affecting course severity ROCD. In present article, we outline how dyadic patterns interaction can contribute via (a) reinforcement cognitive distortions (e.g., by promoting overvaluation thoughts)...

Abstract Research efforts are growing rapidly in the digital health industry, but with this growth comes increasing ethical challenges. In viewpoint paper, we leverage over 20 years of combined experience across academia, and to address critical issues related ethics, specifically privacy policies institutional review board compliance, which often misunderstood or misapplied. We examine purpose boards, provide brief examples where companies faced legal consequences due shortcomings, clarify...

Generation Z (Gen Z) and young millennials (GenZennials) (ages 18-35 years) are unique in that they either have no memory of or were born shortly after the internet "explosion." They constantly on internet, face significant challenges with their mental health sleep, frequent users digital wellness apps. GenZennials also uniquely identify practice spirituality, which has been linked to better sleep adult populations. Research not examined approaches spiritual self-care its relationship...

Abstract Background Adolescence is a key developmental period for the emergence of psychopathology. Reward-related brain activity increases across adolescence and has been identified as potential neurobiological mechanism risk different forms The reward positivity (RewP) an event-related component that indexes system activation associated with both concurrent family history However, it unclear whether RewP also higher-order psychopathology subfactors this relationship present types reward....

Abstract Maladaptive self-focused attention (SFA) is a bias toward internal thoughts, feelings and physical states. Despite its role as core maintaining factor of symptoms in cognitive theories social anxiety body dysmorphic disorders (BDDs), studies have not examined neural basis. In this study, we hypothesized that maladaptive SFA would be associated with hyperconnectivity the default mode network (DMN) patients these disorders. Thirty primary disorder or BDD 28 healthy individuals were...

Abstract A heightened sensitivity to unpredictable threat has been identified as a potential transdiagnostic mechanism of psychopathology. The majority supporting research conducted in adults, and it is unclear whether psychophysiological indicators are comparable youth during developmental periods associated with increased risk for In addition, no studies have examined correlated between parents their offspring. present study defensive motivation (startle reflex) attentional engagement...

Although evidence suggests that digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) are effective alternatives to traditional care, participant engagement continues be an issue, especially for pediatric DMHIs. Extant studies of DMHIs among adults suggest participants' satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and therapeutic alliance closely tied engagement. However, these associations have not been investigated children adolescents involved in DMHIs.To address gaps extant DMHI research, the purpose this...

The digital mental health industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years. However, within this crowded landscape, many companies overlook a critical factor for gaining competitive edge: the integration of science. In context, “science” refers to strategic collection and analysis information (i.e., data) at companies, aimed guiding business decisions achieving objectives. This paper demonstrates that science is integral, yet underutilized industry, with common misconceptions about its...

Effective biomarkers of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) response provide information beyond available or self-report measures and may optimize treatment selection for patients based on likelihood benefit. No single biomarker reliably predicts CBT response. In this study, we evaluated patterns brain connectivity associated with self-focused attention (SFA) as anxiety obsessive-compulsive disorders. We hypothesized that pre-treatment well pre- to post-treatment changes in functional would...

The error-related negativity (ERN) is an event-related potential that observed after the commission of error and hypothesized to index threat sensitivity. ERN associated with multiple psychiatric disorders, but it unclear if similar results are due higher-order dimensions psychopathology. When errors punished, further enhanced, which might better isolate However, few studies have examined whether psychopathology punishment enhancement ERN. In a clinical sample 170 adults, present study...

<sec> <title>UNSTRUCTURED</title> Social media is an integral part of adolescent’s daily lives, but the significant time adolescents invest in social has raised concern about effect on their mental health. Bans use are quickly emerging as attempt to regulate use, however evidence supporting effectiveness limited, and experience several benefits from media. Rather than enforcing bans, emotion regulation should be leveraged help navigate online environment. This viewpoint paper proposes a...

As the digital health industry becomes increasingly competitive, companies must integrate science cross-functionally to drive innovation and differentiation. However, many face significant challenges in effectively leveraging across their organization. This commentary explores common obstacles encounter when integrating science, including limited C-suite understanding, siloed structures, resource constraints, change resistance, value demonstration challenges. We provide practical strategies...

<sec> <title>UNSTRUCTURED</title> Research efforts are growing rapidly in the digital health industry, but with this growth comes increasing ethical challenges. In viewpoint paper, we leverage over 20 years of combined experience across academia, and to address critical issues related ethics, specifically privacy policies institutional review board (IRB) compliance, which often misunderstood or misapplied. We examine purpose IRBs, provide brief examples where companies faced legal...

Adolescence is a key developmental period for the emergence of psychiatric disorders. However, there still no consensus on core mechanisms dysfunction in youth. Neurobiological sensitivity to unpredictable threat has been associated with several disorders adults. The present study examined adolescent defensive motivation (startle reflex) and attention (event-related potentials) anticipation relation both maternal (i.e. familial risk) internalizing externalizing spectra.The sample included...

Abstract Background Maladaptive self-focused attention (SFA) is a bias toward internal thoughts, feelings, and physical states. Despite its role as core maintaining factor of symptoms in cognitive theories social anxiety body dysmorphic disorders, studies have not examined neural basis. We hypothesized that maladaptive SFA would be associated with hyperconnectivity the default mode network (DMN) patients these disorders. Methods Thirty 28 healthy individuals were eligible scanned....