Digital mental health interventions can effectively improve the well-being of people with Parkinson’s, according to a new study led by researchers at City St George’s, University of London.

The research, published in a recent small trial report in the journal Aging & Mental Health, explored the effectiveness of a guided online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) programme called ‘PACT’  that was tailored to individuals with the condition.

Helping people with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and can cause a range of non-motor symptoms, including anxiety and depression. These mental health challenges are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to a significant impact on quality of life.

The researchers recruited 57 people with Parkinson’s to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential benefits of PACT, which provides structured online sessions incorporating ACT techniques. In the trial, 38 people were randomly assigned to four weeks of the PACT app while 19 were waiting-list controls.

Trial findings
The trial revealed encouraging results regarding the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability. Most participants completed the programme, reporting positive experiences and improvements in their mental well-being. Key findings include:

High engagement levels, with participants actively taking part in the structured sessions.
Positive feedback on the accessibility and ease of use of the digital platform.
Reports of reduced feelings of depression and improvements to quality of life.
Dr Angeliki Bogosian, Reader in Health Psychology, emphasised the importance of the findings, stating:

“After using the app for four weeks, people with Parkinson’s showed fewer symptoms of depression. People found it really useful in terms of identifying a sense of meaning and developing a more positive mindset. They also liked the flexibility and ease of using the app. Our results demonstrate that people with Parkinson’s are open to using these tools, which could improve their quality of life.”

Mental health support
One of the major challenges for people with Parkinson’s is accessing mental health services that cater to their specific needs. Traditional face-to-face therapy can be difficult due to mobility issues, travel constraints, and long waiting lists. The study highlights the potential of digital interventions in bridging this gap, offering support that is convenient and tailored to the needs of users.

Shah, who was part of the group that helped design the PACT app, said to Parkinson’s UK that the intervention helped to reduce anxiety. He said:

“It really made me think about well-being every day because every day it is sending you emails which reinforces your desire to go and watch the videos. And then during the day, you keep remembering the things you heard. [I was] definitely calmer and less anxious.”

Despite the promising findings, researchers acknowledge that further studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of digital therapy for Parkinson’s-related mental health challenges. Larger-scale trials could help determine its broader impact and guide future implementation within healthcare services.

Expanding digital health solutions
The research team at City St George’s is committed to further exploring digital mental health solutions for people with neurological conditions. The findings also offer hope for the future of mental health care for people with Parkinson’s, highlighting the potential of digital solutions to improve accessibility and effectiveness in treatment.

Source: https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2025/may/pact-app-parkinsons-disease