The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for Rejoyn, the first-ever app designed to supplement treatment for major depressive disorder. This condition, which is estimated to affect a significant 21% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives, now has a new tool to aid in its management.

Rejoyn was subjected to a clinical trial involving 386 adults with major depressive disorder who were already undergoing antidepressant medication treatment. The participants who utilized the app witnessed noticeable improvements in their depression symptoms after only six weeks of using Rejoyn alongside their existing therapy.

While digital mental health tools are not a novelty, with countless apps available for meditation, journaling, and connecting with therapists, Rejoyn stands out as the first FDA-approved app for treating major depressive disorder. It joins a select group of apps, already approved by the FDA, which address conditions such as ADHD, substance use disorder, and insomnia.

Expected to be available for both iOS and Android devices in the summer of 2024, Rejoyn will be accessible by prescription. However, crucial details such as the app's cost and whether insurance companies will provide coverage for it remain undisclosed for now.

Rejoyn offers a structured, six-week program consisting of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) lessons, exercises, personalized reminders, and messages. Participants are tasked with completing three lessons and three exercises per week during the program. Additionally, the lessons, typically comprising a short video accompanied by an off-app or interactive activity, take approximately 3 to 4 minutes to complete, while the exercises range from 11 to 26 minutes each.

According to its manufacturer, Otsuka, Rejoyn focuses on three key areas: cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and emotional regulation. Cognitive restructuring involves observing and reframing maladaptive cognitions, while behavioral activation emphasizes deliberate increases in goal-directed behavior, physical activity, and interpersonal interactions. Lastly, emotional regulation centers around an individual's ability to control the influence and intensity of their emotions.

Rejoyn primarily caters to individuals aged 22 and above, diagnosed with depression. The app's main target audience consists of tech-savvy individuals seeking to combine digital resources with traditional talk therapy and medication for depression management.

However, healthcare professionals emphasize that Rejoyn's effectiveness and suitability may vary from person to person. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, warns that consulting with a therapist is crucial to determine whether Rejoyn is suitable and to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs.

To access Rejoyn, individuals will require a prescription from their primary care doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. During the consultation, healthcare providers will evaluate the individual's symptoms, medical history, and current treatment options. Based on this evaluation, Rejoyn, as well as traditional therapies like medication and psychotherapy, will be discussed as potential treatment options.

While Rejoyn may provide valuable tools and resources for managing symptoms, it is important to note that it may not address the underlying causes of depression in the same way that therapy and medication can. Nonetheless, it can serve as a supportive resource between therapy sessions.

Dr. Hafeez suggests that there are other non-prescription apps that may also help alleviate symptoms of depression. For instance, Headspace offers guided mindfulness and meditation exercises, while Woebot provides cognitive behavioral therapy techniques through conversational interactions. Another app, Happify, offers activities and games designed to promote happiness and well-being by targeting negative thoughts and behaviors.

Nevertheless, healthcare professionals stress that these apps should not replace professional treatment for depression. Individuals experiencing depression should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the most suitable treatment options based on their specific needs. Further research is also necessary to evaluate the long-term effects and overall efficacy of digital interventions for depression.

In the growing landscape of digital tools for mental health, Rejoyn's FDA approval is a significant milestone. Its introduction, along with other approved apps, offers patients additional resources to supplement traditional treatment methods, giving them more control over managing their mental health conditions.