Depression has been one of the biggest problems that people face even in the past.
This disorder is often viewed as something that requires a "simple" solution, but modernity made us more aware that it could be monitored in some ways.
Through the use of health technology, experts can now present another form of solution for the disorder. Moreover, the use of machine learning and other applications are seen to be more effective than the conventional method that we know for depression.
Experts Find Health Tech as Effective 'Depression' Killer
According to a report by Very Well Health, researchers are now exploring options to incorporate health technology as a treatment for depression. They have been thinking if using health apps, such as one that relies on voice tracking, might alleviate the patient's depression.
The solution in the form of artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and certain apps are seen to be potential alternatives for old depression treatments.
In an interview with the online health outlet, University of California San Diego psychiatry instructor Dr. Jyoti Mishra said that the data that they will gather can teach them more about health tech.
What the Data Says About Depression
The UCSD experts, together with Mishr, can have a clear view of an individual's mental health during depression through a series of wearables and tech apps.
They have tested that a smartwatch can amass substantial information about the patient's vitals and brain activity.
Moreover, machine learning can assist them to formulate possibilities that could take place in their mental health.
Mishra believed that the adoption of health technology was an advanced step to monitor depression. In addition, the data can provide more meaning to what patients need to achieve to lower their depression levels.
Health Technology in Assessing Depression
A study entitled "Health Information Technology in the Service of Depression Treatment" has paved the way for experts to devise self-assessment tools for clinically depressed patients. This means that those who suffer from a depressive disorder can use apps that aid their mental health improvement.
According to the University of Maryland's engineering professor, Carol Espy-Wilson, the patient's condition can be monitored through health-focused apps, which show the speech patterns of the people.
Espy-Wilson said that one common thing that clinically depressed individuals have is a declining psychomotor, which contributes to slow-decision-making and talking.
Based on the three studies, the scientists observed the variables in the form of vocal track variables.
Throughout a particular period, they witnessed the changes in the patient's health.
With merely basing on speech, the experts were able to assess the patient's mental health. This helped them conclude how depressed a person is. The application of artificial intelligence was also seen as a big help in monitoring depression among patients.
Although the health technology tools will take some time before being called a reliable tool for depression, Mishra said tech can yield more information backed up by science. This will also guarantee that what they're doing is ethical in nature.
For instance, a study revealed that smartphones can someday be helpful in diagnosing depression for patients back in 2015.
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Written by Joseph Henry
