Bibliometric analysis of trends, innovations, and the future of CBT-based mobile interventions for depression

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1710291...

Published: 2025-12-17T00:00:00Z

Depression represents a major global health challenge, with traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) limited by therapist shortages and economic barriers. CBT-based mobile apps offer a scalable alternative. A bibliometric analysis from the Web of Science Core Collection identified 350 articles published between 2013 and 2025 with an increasing trajectory from the US. Dominant topics include smartphone interventions, combination therapy, CBT for insomnia, and adolescent depression. The PubMed analysis included 72 clinical trials with predominant randomized controlled trials and interest in the integration of interpersonal therapy and mindfulness. The PsycINFO analysis consisted of 20 articles that highlighted mobile CBT for major depression, social anxiety interventions, culturally tailored apps for the Chinese, and virtual reality engagement. Research is rapidly advancing towards personalized digital prevention interventions. The integration of AI, large language models, sensory phenotyping and wearables will be key to improve monitoring and outcomes.