Smartphone intervention apps for schizophrenia: a review of the academic literature and app stores

Background: While the interest and use of apps for anxiety and depression accelerated with COVID-19, less is known about the status of apps for people with schizophrenia and psychosis-spectrum disorders. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the research and commercial app marketplaces (Apple, Android) to assess how recent technological advances translate into tools patients can use today. Methods: In December 2024, we conducted a narrative review for apps related to schizophrenia and coded a brief overview of the studies, eligibility, outcomes and experiences, engagement and features, attrition and adherence, and app availability. We simultaneously conducted a search on the U.S. Google Play and the U.S. Apple App Store for apps denoted in the research literature and other commercially available apps. Results: The academic literature search yielded 3753 articles, of which 34 were included. Across these 34 studies, 32 unique apps related to schizophrenia and psychosis were featured. A search of the U.S. app marketplaces yielded only one relevant app peer-reviewed in the last decade and that was broadly accessible to patients. Conclusion: To realize the full clinical utility of these apps, it is essential to shift the focus toward their specific features and functionalities, supported by more rigorous research and follow-up studies. There is a pressing need for greater standardization in outcome measures and record-keeping practices to ensure consistency and reliability across the field. While the number of commercially available apps has increased, the lack of robust, large-scale controlled studies and standardized controls has resulted in inconsistent findings. Findings highlight the importance of conducting more controlled studies and randomized clinical trials with appropriate controls to strengthen the evidence base and guide the effective implementation of digital health interventions in mental health care.