Web-Based Applications to Help People Overcome Depression

Researchers from the Northwestern University in Chicago are developing a number of web-based applications, including a smartphone and a medicine bottle, in order to help people overcome depression and other mood disorders. The smartphone makes use of a technology known as Mobilyze! and identifies symptoms of depression by tracking a person’s activity patterns such as the number of phone calls and messages. If the phone feels that you have deviated from the usual pattern, then it sends in a messaging suggesting you to call your friends.

Another device which the researchers hope will be helpful is a medicine bottle that reminds the patients to take their pills. The bottle is connected to a mobile app that collects information regarding symptoms and medication side effects and then sends the information to a doctor to determine whether any change is needed in the dose or the drug.

“We're inventing new ways technology can help people with mental health problems. The potential to reduce or even prevent depression is enormous. These new approaches could offer fundamentally new treatment options to people who are unable to access traditional services or who are uncomfortable with standard psychotherapy”, Northwestern University psychologist David Mohr said.



Source-Medindia