Gamification-Based Apps for PTSD: An Analysis of Functionality and Characteristics

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that is triggered by exposure to traumatic events. PTSD is associated with severe emotional disturbances that impair the person's functional abilities like social interactions and the ability to work. If left untreated, PTSD can even lead to suicide. Even though PTSD is a manageable and treatable disorder, many people are not able to get the appropriate treatment, either because of cost problems, stigma, mobility problems, or other causes. Since mobile phones are devices that are owned by a large number of people, m-health is an aspect that can facilitate access to the needed treatment and care for PTSD in many ways, one being via mobile applications (apps). Using gamification features in apps can be helpful in the management and treatment of PTSD. This paper identifies a list of 24 gamification-based apps for PTSD, 14 Android apps and 10 iOS apps, and assesses their functionalities and characteristics. The results highlighted mainly the need for more consideration of security aspects, incorporation of medical devices and physical indicators, and the apps' availability in multiple languages.