The FDA has approved the first-ever prescription app, Rejoyn, aimed at tackling depression. Dr. Dipak Nandi, MD, a New York-based Neuro-psychiatrist, who studied at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, finds this development “extremely exciting”.
Congratulating the organizations behind the applications, Dr. Dipak Nandi, said, “The approval of this app, named Rejoyn, marks a new era in the treatment for depression. It represents a departure from traditional therapeutic approaches. The app offers a novel avenue for intervention. Innovations like this hold immense promise in improving how we address this debilitating condition.”
Dr. Dipak Nandi, MD, Explains Why Such Solutions Are Exciting
The features that the app boasts of, are backed by clinical evidence. The FDA’s decision was informed by data from the Mirai study, a rigorous clinical trial involving 386 participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This comprehensive evaluation demonstrated the app’s efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms among individuals already on antidepressant medication.
Dr. Dipak Nandi, MD, said, “This new app has elements that help patients to improve their cognitive and emotion-focused memory. This is possible through interactive games and lessons.” Dr. Nandi appreciates how patients can treat depression and have access to therapy from any location with innovative solutions like this.
Although there are critics who say the app is making tall claims, Dr. Nandi, MD, strongly feels that more such innovations are necessary. He said, “Solutions like this give patients suffering from depression a way to continue their treatment, which is less demanding and more enjoyable.” Dr. Nandi believes this engaging approach to tackling depression could also improve patient outcomes and prescription adherence.
Such new approaches to depression treatment, chart a way for future innovations in digital therapeutics. Dr. Nandi added, “By embracing such an innovative and clinically-backed approach to mental health care, we can explore new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.”
Dr. Nandi Emphasizes the Need for a Cautious yet Innovative approach
While there are a number of similar apps available on the market, their claims have not been clinically verified. And so it is important to gather sufficient knowledge about how such technologies aim to treat disorders before trying them out.
Dr. Dipak Nandi added, “Apps like these will only be effective if patients interact with it and follow their prescription. If patients follow their prescription instructions, the greater is the chance that they will experience noticeable improvements after 6 weeks. The future looks bright. I am sure with the number of digital applications growing, prescription applications like this will be crucial in helping clinicians, non-clinical providers, and patients.”
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