Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and its scholarly fellows launched a slew of mobile applications to help individuals suffering from anxiety disorders and depression.

The mental health apps were designed to provide developers with insights as users receive recommendations and assistance. The 12 apps will be made available for Android-users only, with no present plans to develop an iOS version of the apps. The effort is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.

"Our goal is to give people the tools that can help them live better, more satisfying lives," said David Mohr, professor of preventive medicine and director of the school's Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, according to a public statement. "We hope this will help people who want support but maybe can't get to a therapist's office."

The apps' release was postponed so that developers could address the bugs. In months to come, researchers will collect data, fine-tune the platform, and measure the effectiveness of the tools, beginning with a two-year study of 200 of the apps users. The information that's collected remains anonymous.

The developers insist that continuous engagement with the apps will be most effective. One or two visits, or infrequent use won't be able to offer proper behavior or emotional health support. Commitment to frequent use is imperative. The programs are educated by user interactions, and it tracks the positive results.

"Worry Knot" offers a personal worry management technique to reduce worry. "Aspire" offers a guide to help put aspirations into action. "Social Force" helps lonely individuals find support. "Day to Day" shares anecdotes and tips throughout the day. "ME Locate" explores helping users find a better mood; "My Manta" empowers users through inspiring phrases and strong words. "Daily Feats" helps users to chronicle achievements, big and small. "Thought Challenger" asks users to transcribe negative thoughts. "iCope" offers doses of inspirational messages written by the user. "Purple Chill" provides purposeful meditation, tranquil exercises and lessons in relation. "MoveMe" is an action-oriented mood manager. "Slumber Time" instructs user on how to find a restful sleep. And "Intellicare Hub" is a launch pad to make access to the free ads as easy as possible.

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