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Scientists unveil latest development to fight depression
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The recently created American Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, which unites researchers from various scientific institutions in the country, presented projects of its developments in the fight against depression. Among these developments is a smartphone that detects symptoms of the disease in the user, a package for antidepressants that monitors the regularity of intake, and a virtual friend for teenagers that teaches them social skills, EurekAlert! Reports.
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"We are looking for new ways that technology can help people with mental health issues... New approaches could fundamentally complement treatment options for people who are unavailable or not helped by existing treatments," said David Mohr, director of the center and a professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. He added that "the potential to reduce illness and prevent depression is enormous."
Among the announced projects is the Mobilyze! Smartphone, which records the manifestations of human activity that change with depression. In particular, the device records a person’s location, level of physical activity, number of calls and emails, as well as other manifestations of personal and social activity. If self-isolation is suspected, the smartphone notifies a doctor via the Internet and advises the person to communicate with friends. In a small pilot study, it effectively reduced the manifestations of depression in patients.
Another development is a medicine bottle that monitors the regularity of taking the medication and reminds the patient about it (research has shown that many patients do not take prescribed antidepressants regularly and do not promptly inform the doctor about side effects or insufficient effectiveness of the medication). In addition, the high-tech packaging is connected to the MedLink smartphone application, which monitors symptoms of depression and potential side effects of treatment. If problems are registered, their description 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 project, the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, is being developed at the University of Southern California.
There, researchers are developing a virtual programmable buddy for children and adolescents. This character, playing role-playing games with schoolchildren, will teach them persistence, self-confidence and social skills to prevent and treat depression. As More explained, such a virtual buddy will be more likeable than a live consultant, with whom children often do not want to communicate. The director of the center also noted that communication with the character is perceived as an interesting game, unlike existing web resources, which "more closely resemble homework."
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