Digital Mental Health Interventions for Depression and Anxiety in Youth: A Scoping Review of Effectiveness, Engagement, and Implementation

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting children, adolescents, and young people, contributing substantially to the global burden of disease. Despite the availability of effective treatments, access to care remains limited due to structural, economic, and stigma-related barriers, particularly in low-resource settings. Digital mental health interventions have emerged as a scalable and accessible approach to addressing these gaps. This scoping review aimed to map the extent, range, and characteristics of existing evidence on digital interventions targeting depression and anxiety in individuals aged approximately 10–24 years, with a focus on effectiveness, engagement, and implementation. A systematic search of PubMed, Dimensions, and CINAHL was conducted, and primary studies of any design published in English were included. Data were extracted and synthesized using descriptive and thematic approaches. A total of 42 studies were included, covering diverse modalities such as internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, mobile applications, chatbots, and tele-mental health platforms. Digital interventions were associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, particularly in the short term. However, between-group effects were often modest when compared with active controls. Engagement emerged as a key determinant of effectiveness, with higher adherence linked to better outcomes. While feasibility and acceptability were generally high, challenges related to sustained engagement and long-term effectiveness were common. Digital interventions show promise as adjuncts to conventional care but require further optimization and evaluation in real-world settings.