In past articles, we’ve focused mainly on innovative treatments for mild depression. Today, we turn to a breakthrough in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) — a condition that affects millions worldwide. For the first time, patients with major depression can access a prescription digital therapeutic via their smartphone: Rejoyn.

What is Rejoyn?

Rejoyn is currently the only mobile app approved by the U.S. FDA as an adjunctive treatment for adults (22+) diagnosed with MDD who are already on antidepressants. Available by prescription only, Rejoyn offers a 6-week course that combines proprietary brain training exercises with medication to reduce depressive symptoms, with no significant side effects reported.

Unlike typical wellness apps, Rejoyn is classified as a medical device. It earned FDA approval in 2024 after successful Phase 3 clinical trials, with strong scientific evidence supporting its safety and efficacy.

How Does Rejoyn Work?

In many patients with depression, communication between the amygdala (emotion centre) and prefrontal cortex (thinking centre) becomes impaired, making emotional regulation increasingly difficult over time.

Rejoyn’s exercises are based on neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself. By simultaneously activating emotional and cognitive regions, Rejoyn strengthens these connections, helping the brain better manage emotional responses.

EFMT: The Emotional Faces Memory Task

One of Rejoyn’s key technologies is the Emotional Face Memory Task (EFMT), a scientifically validated exercise. Users are asked to recognize facial expressions (e.g., happy, sad, angry) and recall matching ones from earlier. This trains both working memory and emotional processing, gradually increasing in difficulty to challenge the brain to stay focused even in the face of emotional distraction.

In addition to EFMT, Rejoyn offers short skill-building lessons that teach users how to manage strong emotions, combat negative thinking, and take positive actions. Each lesson is around 5 minutes, and it is recommended to do it three times a week. Motivational reminders are sent to help users stay on track.

Importantly, Rejoyn is not a replacement for medication, but a complementary tool prescribed alongside existing antidepressant treatments. For patients seeking accessible, structured support in their daily lives, Rejoyn is a promising new option.

Advances in medical science have led to FDA-approved devices like Rejoyn, opening new pathways for treating depression. Still, even the most advanced technologies must be supported by compassionate, human-centred care to have a meaningful impact.

In our next issue, I want to speak directly to the families and loved ones standing by someone with depression. There are important truths you may not yet recognize, but understanding them can make all the difference in your journey together.