The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released an advisory publication titled “Digital Therapeutics for Management and Treatment in Behavioral Health,” highlighting the benefits and essential considerations of digital therapeutics (DTx) within behavioral health care. According to SAMHSA’s Advisory, “DTx are health software intended to treat or alleviate a disease, disorder, condition, or injury by generating and delivering a medical intervention that has a demonstrable positive therapeutic impact on a patient’s health. DTx are used independently or in concert with medications, devices, or other therapies to optimize patient care and health outcomes. DTx may or may not require a prescription. DTx are generally considered medical devices subject to regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration.”

These emerging technologies may be particularly beneficial to service members, Veterans, and their families (SMVF). For example, the smartwatch app NightWare is now available by prescription from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related nightmares. The app monitors a sleeper’s movements and heart rate. When it detects changes that indicate a coming nightmare, the app creates vibration patterns in the watch to rouse the sleeper. Innovations in DTx are being supported by VA’s Mission Daybreak as well. One of 10 winners in the $20 million grand challenge to reduce Veteran suicides, OxfordVR’s gameChange is a DTx with the Food and Drug Administration’s Breakthrough Device designation. Using virtual reality, gameChange is designed to treat severe social isolation, common to PTSD, psychosis, severe depression, and a precursor to suicidal thoughts and behavior.

DTx offers an incredible opportunity to overcome barriers in accessing behavioral health care for SMVF and the general population. From increasing engagement in care to reducing costs, the advancement of these digital health technologies is allowing people to take charge of their behavioral health now more than ever.

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