In The US, Announced [high-tech Developments To Fight Depression]

2023 Author: Abraham Higgins | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-30 04:59

In the US, announced [high-tech developments to fight depression]

American researchers presented their projects to combat depression. Among these developments are a smartphone that detects the manifestation of a disease in the user, packaging for antidepressants that monitors the frequency of use, and a virtual buddy for teenagers who teaches them social skills.

Mobilyze smartphone! Photo by developers /

The recently established American Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, which brings together researchers from various scientific institutions in the country, presented projects of its developments to combat depression. Among these developments are a smartphone that detects the manifestation of a disease in the user, packaging for antidepressants that monitors the frequency of use, and a virtual buddy for teens who teaches them social skills, reports EurekAlert !.

"We are looking for new ways technology can help people with mental health problems … New approaches can fundamentally complement the treatment of people who cannot or cannot benefit from existing therapies," said David Moore, director of the center and professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. (David Mohr). He added that "the potential for reducing morbidity and preventing depression is enormous."

Among the announced projects is the Mobilyze smartphone! ("Get moving!"), Which records the manifestations of human activity that change with depression. In particular, the device records the location of a person, the level of his physical activity, the number of calls and emails, as well as other manifestations of personal and social activity. If you suspect self-isolation, the smartphone informs the doctor about this via the Internet and gives the person advice to talk to friends. In a small pilot study, it effectively reduced depression in patients.

Another development was a medicine bottle that monitors the frequency of their intake and reminds the patient about it (studies have shown that many patients do not regularly take prescribed antidepressants and do not promptly inform the doctor about side effects or insufficient effectiveness of drugs). In addition, the high-tech packaging is connected to MedLink's smartphone app that monitors depression symptoms and potential side effects of treatment. In case of registration of problems, a description of them with possible solutions is sent to the doctor. MedLink is also planned to be used in the treatment of schizophrenia and HIV infection.

Both devices are being developed at Northwestern University. Another Behavioral Technology Center project is underway at the University of Southern California.

There, researchers are developing a virtual programmable buddy for kids and teens. This character, playing role-playing games with students, will teach them perseverance, self-confidence and social skills to prevent and treat depression. As Mohr explained, such a virtual buddy will evoke more liking than a live counselor, with whom children often do not want to communicate. The director of the center also noted that communicating with the character is perceived as an interesting game, in contrast to existing web resources, which are "more like homework."