TY - JOUR
T1 - Wearable devices as adjuncts in the treatment of anxiety-related symptoms
T2 - A narrative review of five device modalities and implications for clinical practice
AU - Hunkin, Hugh
AU - King, Daniel L.
AU - Zajac, Ian T.
PY - 2019/9
Y1 - 2019/9
N2 - Anxiety disorders are a major public health problem, and a range of wearable technological devices for addressing the somatic symptoms of anxiety are increasingly available. This narrative review summarizes five distinct modalities underlying wearable devices and investigates clinical implications for managing clients using such devices. The literature suggests potential benefits of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback devices, while other modalities (aided meditation, false physiological feedback, electrodermal biofeedback, and respiration biofeedback) are less supported. High-quality research on the efficacy of such devices is also lacking, particularly in clinical populations. Wearables could offer potential benefits, but may be contraindicated in some cases. Collaborative use of clinical evaluation tools, such as the American Psychiatric Association's application evaluation model, can aid in shared decision-making about device use.
AB - Anxiety disorders are a major public health problem, and a range of wearable technological devices for addressing the somatic symptoms of anxiety are increasingly available. This narrative review summarizes five distinct modalities underlying wearable devices and investigates clinical implications for managing clients using such devices. The literature suggests potential benefits of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback devices, while other modalities (aided meditation, false physiological feedback, electrodermal biofeedback, and respiration biofeedback) are less supported. High-quality research on the efficacy of such devices is also lacking, particularly in clinical populations. Wearables could offer potential benefits, but may be contraindicated in some cases. Collaborative use of clinical evaluation tools, such as the American Psychiatric Association's application evaluation model, can aid in shared decision-making about device use.
KW - anxiety
KW - anxiety disorders
KW - biofeedback
KW - clinical decision-making
KW - neurofeedback
KW - wearable electronic devices
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85066883014&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/cpsp.12290
DO - 10.1111/cpsp.12290
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85066883014
VL - 26
JO - Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice
JF - Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice
SN - 1468-2850
IS - 3
M1 - e12290
ER -