If you’re sick of hearing about all the ways technology is bad for us, here’s some good news to consider: Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are among the latest digital health products helping to increase access to quality healthcare.
PDTs and digital therapeutics in general are used to help prevent, treat and manage a range of mental and physical conditions via mobile devices like your smartphone. The difference between PDTs and other health apps is that PDTs are authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and require a prescription from your healthcare provider (HCP).
PDTs offer unique options not traditionally seen during your typical office visit. Some PDTs provide custom treatments such as a video game for ADHD and a wearable device that uses vibrations to interrupt nightmares. Other PDTs use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help with conditions such as insomnia or irritable bowel syndrome. The evidence-based treatments backed by clinical research can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
The current PDTs approved by the FDA apply to both mental and physical conditions. These include:
- Opioid use disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Chronic insomnia
- ADHD
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Amblyopia
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart failure
PDTs may be especially helpful for women and people assigned female at birth considering many of these health conditions affect more women than men. For example, women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to men. The latest PDT approved by the FDA in April treats major depressive disorder.
Through the app, people are asked to identify and compare emotions displayed on a series of faces as part of cognitive-emotional training. Research shows this type of therapy may help stimulate the parts of the brain involved in depression and have antidepressant effects.
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PDTs may also be particularly beneficial for people with substance use disorder. A recent study of people with opioid use disorder, mostly women, found that those who used a PDT had significant reductions in medical care visits, including inpatient stays and trips to the emergency room.
Benefits of prescription digital therapeutics
In addition to unique treatment options, PDTs can offer benefits including:
- Convenience. You can access treatment on your schedule wherever you want.
- Access. People who have a difficult time getting to in-person office visits can still get the care they need.
- Equality: Digitized therapies that rely on a standard, evidence-based format ensure that people who use them receive the same quality and level of care.
- Privacy: PDTs offer an option for people who feel stigma or shame about their health condition.
Although PDTs can help increase access to quality care, health insurance coverage for PDTs can vary and insurance may not cover them at all. And despite the FDA stamp of approval, some experts say more research is needed before making PDTs a mainstay in the healthcare system.
If you’re interested in PDTs, talk to your HCP about your options.
