Scientists presented the latest developments to combat depression
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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The newly created American Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies (the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies), bringing together researchers from various academic institutions in the country, presented projects for its development to combat depression. Among these developments, a smartphone that identifies a user's manifestations of the disease, antidepressant packaging that follows the regularity of admission, and a virtual buddy for teens that teaches their social skills, reports EurekAlert !.
See the slideshow: Depression
"We are looking for new ways in which technologies can help people with mental health problems ... New approaches will be able to fundamentally supplement the treatment options for people who are not available or do not benefit from existing methods," said David Mor, professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. (David Mohr). He added that "the potential to reduce morbidity and prevent depression is huge."
Among the announced projects is the smartphone Mobilyze! ("Have Disappointed!"), Which registers manifestations of human activity, changing with depression. In particular, the device locates the person, the level of his motor activity, the number of calls and emails, as well as other manifestations of personal and social activity. If you suspect a self-isolation smartphone informs the doctor about it through the Internet and gives the person the advice to communicate with friends. In a small pilot study, he effectively reduced depression in patients.
Another development is a vial of medicines that monitors the regularity of their intake and reminds the patient about it (studies have shown that many patients do not regularly take prescribed antidepressants and do not timely inform the doctor about side effects or inadequate drug efficacy). In addition, high-tech packaging is connected to the smartphone application MedLink, monitoring the symptoms of depression and potential side effects of treatment. If a problem is registered, the doctor will be sent a description with possible solutions. MedLink is also planned to be used in the treatment of schizophrenia and HIV infection.
Both devices are being developed at Northwestern University. Work on another project of the Center for Technology for Behavioral Interventions is being conducted at the University of Southern California.
There, researchers develop a virtual programmable buddy for children and adolescents. This character, playing with school children in role-playing games, will teach them perseverance, self-confidence and social skills for the prevention and treatment of depression. As explained by Mohr, such a virtual friend will cause more affection than a living counselor, 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 the existing web resources that "more like homework."
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