Evaluating the Receptiveness to Digital Mental Health Solutions for Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review

Background: Depression and anxiety remain two of the most widespread mental health disorders globally, driving the increased adoption of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), including mobile applications and web-based platforms. These tools offer accessible alternatives to traditional therapy, particularly in settings with limited mental health resources. The success of DMHIs depends on their acceptability among users, which directly impacts adherence, engagement, and therapeutic outcomes.Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the acceptability of DMHIs among adults diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders, comparing their reception to that of in-person therapy or no intervention.Methodology: The review followed PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines to ensure methodological rigor. Data were synthesized using a narrative approach supported by vote counting, which involved categorizing studies based on whether they reported positive, neutral, or negative outcomes related to acceptability.Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria: six focused on depression, two on anxiety, and two addressed both conditions. Most studies (63%) were randomized controlled trials, and the majority of interventions were based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Adherence to interventions averaged around 80%, with dropout rates ranging from 10% to 25%. High acceptability was reported in 88% of the studies, 8% had mixed findings and 4% provided insufficient data.Conclusion/Recommendations: Reliance on self-reported satisfaction as a measure of acceptability may inflate perceived effectiveness and limit comparability across studies. To enhance future research, there is a need for standardized frameworks for assessing acceptability.