Fitbit can already recognize depression.The diagnosis of mental illness in the watch is only a matter of time

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The software analyzed data obtained from people with depression and a healthy group, and in 80 percent.cases accurately chose people affected by the disease.How specific way?The study cites M.in.An example of clear differences in heart work between 2 and 4 am, and 4 and 6 am, as well as an irregular daily rhythm during the week and decreases in the daily number of steps performed.

The study has shown that in combination with the appropriate program model, contemporary wearable devices are able to aptly assess the depressive states.For now, however, they show a moderate possibility of predicting the occurrence of such states, although they cope well with the distinction between the high and zero chance of developing depression based on obtained biometric data.

Recognizing the symptoms of depression by a smartwatch can be the first step to improving the lives of millions of people.

Despite the growing social awareness, depression in many circles still remains the subject of a cultural taboo.WHO also indicates that in less developed countries there is a lack of funds and specialists to treat this disease, and in developed countries it is often diagnosed badly, in both directions - specialists or are not able to recognize it correctly, or also prescribe antidepressants to people who at allDepression does not get sick.

The possibility of detecting the first symptoms by smartwatches, which we trust today in the matter of other biometric measurements, can be a step towards a radical improvement of the global problem of depression, both in adults and children and adolescents.

According to the psychologist Monika Kotlarek, actively working in the profession, the author of the books and the popular blog, the psychologist writes, recognizing symptoms of mental illness by wearable devices can have one more huge plus:

When we break the leg, no one says to "be a man and get a grip".When the kidney stones get us, nobody tells us to go jogging.With physical ailments, we have no problem to see a doctor.However, we still treat mental ailments as something embarrassing or something that we can deal with ourselves.When you think about it, it is fascinating that in the 21st century we are running to the doctor with any cold and a spare on the skin, but for some reason we decided that we are able to cope with mental diseases ourselves.

The potential for using smartphones and devices dressed in diagnosing mental illnesses is huge and in the future can go far beyond depression itself.

Apple conducts research, e.g..over the recognition of early signs of children's autism using a camera in an iPhone or iPad.Climbble devices also have the potential to serve as a kind of "early warning system" and help in the case of neurosis or panic attacks.Apple Watch could, for example - after recognizing the symptoms of a panic attack, such as accelerated heart rate and difficulty breathing - ask the user if he feels good, and if he answers that no, conduct him through the "grounding" process or simple breathing exercises thatThey can help him survive.Monika Kotlarek considers such an idea to be an interesting idea, although she also sees potential obstacles to its implementation:

Theoretically, however, a set of sensors available in modern fitness-trackers allows it today.All you need is algorithms that will transform the data they collect into useful information.However, looking at the pace at what health -promoting functions develop and how powerful sums are invested in research by giants such as Apple, it is a matter of a few years before Apple Watch or Fitbit bands will become important tools for recognizing the first symptoms not only of physical problems, but also mental.