A randomized controlled trial of a trauma-informed smartphone application in reducing firefighters’ mental health symptoms

By
Tracey Varker
Olivia Metcalf
Yee Foong Mok
Karen E. Lamb
Julia Fredrickson
Hussain-Abdulah Arjmand
Phoebe Howlett
Kari Gibson
Le Pham
Kate Everett
Meaghan Louise O’Donnell
November 24, 2025
0 min

Npj Digital Medicine

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of the SOLAR-m app in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among firefighters compared to a mood monitoring control app.

Key Findings:

SOLAR-m showed a greater decrease in depression and anxiety at 8 weeks (mean difference –2.64, 95% CI: –4.64, –0.63; p = 0.01).
At 3 months, only depression showed a significant between-group difference.
SOLAR-m was effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress among firefighters.

Interpretation:

The SOLAR-m app is a promising tool for addressing mental health symptoms in high-risk professions, particularly in reducing depression and anxiety among firefighters.

Limitations:

The study had a relatively low enrollment rate (29% of screened individuals).
Long-term efficacy beyond 3 months was not assessed.

Conclusion:

The SOLAR-m app demonstrates efficacy in alleviating mental health symptoms among firefighters, suggesting its potential as an early intervention tool in high-risk occupations.

A randomized controlled trial of a trauma-informed smartphone application in reducing firefighters’ mental health symptoms

Objective:

Key Findings:

Interpretation:

Limitations:

Conclusion:

Original Source(s)

A randomized controlled trial of a trauma-informed smartphone application in reducing firefighters’ mental health symptoms

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