Engagement and acceptability of a digital programme for anxiety
Many people turn to smartphone apps to help manage stress and worry, but staying engaged with them can be hard. Researchers at ieso are testing a new, six-week digital mental health programme to see how easy and helpful adults find it. The app offers short, text-based sessions that feel like a messaging chat, combined with helpful videos and activities based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You can complete the programme entirely from home on your own smartphone, taking about an hour or two each week. Before and after taking part, you will have a brief typed chat with a study clinician and fill in simple questionnaires about your mood. This trial aims to make digital support more engaging, helping more people access effective mental health care in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Anxiety and persistent worry affect millions of people across the UK, but finding the right support when you need it can sometimes take time. While many mental health apps exist today, people often find them hard to stick with or feel they do not quite meet their needs. This study is testing a new smartphone programme to see whether it provides an engaging and supportive way for people to learn practical coping skills from home.
The programme has been created by qualified mental health professionals using principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a proven type of talking therapy that looks at how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are linked. Inside the app, participants text with an automated digital guide—similar to sending messages on WhatsApp—and receive short therapist videos, educational tips, and exercises designed to tackle everyday worry.
By taking part, you will help researchers understand what makes a digital therapy tool enjoyable, easy to use, and genuinely helpful. Your feedback will help improve how digital mental health services are designed, making it easier for people across the NHS and wider community to get timely support for anxiety in the future.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new 6-week smartphone app designed to help manage worry and anxiety.
- Open to UK adults aged 18 and over who have a smartphone and an active internet connection.
- Takes about one to two hours per week, split into short 20-minute sessions at home.
- Combines messaging-style chats, therapist videos, and practical therapy worksheets.
- Completely free to join, with remote clinician safety monitoring throughout.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to UK adults aged 18 and over who are currently dealing with anxiety and worry as their main mental health concern. To take part, you must be registered with a UK GP and have your own smartphone with an active internet connection so you can download and use the app.
The study is not suitable for everyone. It is not designed for people currently receiving other talking therapies or those experiencing severe depression. It is also not suitable for individuals living with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, psychosis, or an unmanaged substance use issue.
In addition, if you have had a change in any psychiatric medication within the last three months, you will not be able to join. A study clinician will chat with you beforehand to help check whether the programme is safe and appropriate for your current needs.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I live in the UK and am registered with a GP.
- Anxiety and worry are my main mental health concerns right now.
- I have a smartphone with internet access.
- I am not currently having any other talking therapy.
- My psychiatric medications (if any) have stayed the same for the past three months.
What does participation involve?
Taking part happens completely from home on your smartphone over six to nine weeks. You will start with a brief, typed online chat with a study clinician and complete a questionnaire about how you are feeling. Each week, you will complete up to three short app sessions, each lasting about 20 minutes (around one to two hours per week in total). During these sessions, you will text with an automated guide, watch short therapist videos, and try out practical activities. You will fill out brief mood questionnaires at the start, middle, and end of the study, followed by a final typed chat with a clinician once you finish.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Ieso Digital HealthCity onlyCambridge, England
Common questions
Do I need to visit a clinic or hospital in person?
No. The entire study takes place remotely on your smartphone, including the chats with the study team.
Is the digital guide a real person?
No. The guide is an automated computer program designed to chat like a real person, but qualified clinicians supervise the study and monitor your safety.
Do I have to pay anything to take part?
No. Taking part is completely free and you do not need to pay to download or use the app.
What happens if my anxiety gets worse during the study?
You can contact the research team by email at any point. They also review your weekly questionnaire scores and will contact you or a clinician if they notice a worrying change.
Can I stop taking part if I do not like it?
Yes. Joining is completely voluntary, and you can stop using the app and leave the study whenever you wish without giving an explanation.
How to find out more
Clare Palmer
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.