Digital mental health interventions can effectively improve the well-being of people with Parkinson's, according to a new study led by researchers at City St George's, University of London. The study looked at the effectiveness of a guided online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program called “PACT” that was tailored to people with the condition.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause a range of non-motor symptoms, including anxiety and depression. These mental health problems are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to a significant impact on quality of life.
Feasibility study
The researchers recruited 57 people with Parkinson's to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential benefits of PACT. PACT offers structured online sessions that apply ACT techniques. In the study, 38 people were randomly assigned to four weeks of PACT, while 19 were wait-listed. The study was recently published in the journal Aging & Mental Health.
The study showed encouraging results regarding the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Most participants completed the program and reported positive experiences and improvements in their mental well-being. Key findings were:
- High engagement, participants actively participated in the structured sessions.
- Positive feedback on the accessibility and ease of use of the digital platform.
- Reports of reduced feelings of depression and improvements in quality of life.
Dr. Angeliki Bogosian, Reader in Health Psychology, highlighted the significance of the findings, “After four weeks of using the app, people with Parkinson's showed fewer symptoms of depression. People found it really helpful in finding meaning and developing a more positive mindset. They also liked the flexibility and ease of use of the app. Our results show that people with Parkinson's are open to using these tools, which could improve their quality of life.”
Support for mental health
One of the biggest challenges for people with Parkinson's is accessing mental health services that meet their specific needs. Traditional face-to-face therapy can be difficult due to mobility issues, travel restrictions and long waiting lists. The study highlights the potential of digital interventions to bridge this gap by providing support that is convenient and tailored to users' needs.
“It really made me think about my well-being every day because it sends you emails every day that reinforce your desire to go watch the videos. And throughout the day you keep thinking about the things you've heard. [I was definitely calmer and less anxious,” said one of the developers of the PACT app.
Apps for Parkinson's
Earlier this year, Radboudumc technical physician and researcher Ilse Willems wrote a blog - “Wandering the landscape of apps for people with movement disorders” - about the growing role of apps in the care of people with rare movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. While apps offer opportunities for daily monitoring and remote therapy, there are challenges. Of the 113 apps identified, 73 percent are focused on Parkinson's, but only 21 percent are actually field-tested.
In addition, none of the apps comply with the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), which affects reliability and safety. There is a need for science-based, approved apps that meet the specific needs of patients. Radboudumc is working on a handbook to improve the development and implementation of telemonitoring apps, with the goal of making them available in 2025.
More research needed
Despite the promising findings of the British study, the scientists acknowledge that more research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of digital therapy for Parkinson's-related mental health problems. Larger-scale trials could help determine the broader impact and guide future implementation within the healthcare system.
The research team at City St George's is committed to further exploring digital solutions for the mental health of people with neurological disorders. The findings also offer hope for the future of mental health care for people with Parkinson's and highlight the potential of digital solutions to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of treatment.
