The 99th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society

Chair:tomoyuki miyazaki(Yokohama City University, Graduate School of Medicine)

In response to a widespread mental health crisis, particularly affecting young people, a vast number of digital apps and tools have emerged. The quality of these tools is inconsistent, raising questions about their ability to genuinely fill gaps in traditional care and provide hope. While most digital interventions cannot claim therapeutic effects equivalent to pharmaceuticals, their significant accessibility makes them powerful potential resources for self-care.
This symposium brings together leading researchers and developers for a comprehensive discussion on these digital solutions. The agenda will cover the latest app trends, the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy, critical ethical challenges, and the complex pathways to successful social implementation. The ultimate goal is to explore the frontiers of this next-generation digital mental care and clearly define the essential, complementary role that pharmacology must play in this evolving landscape.