TMCnet Feature

Does it seem odd that smartphones are getting, well, smarter? And by smarter, I mean doing more than providing apps and being a viable source of communication. With Siri on the market, more interactive, human-like qualities are showing up where you’d least expect them.

In fact, a new mobile device is currently being worked on by scientists that has plans to help the depressed. Essentially, it’s a mobile therapist. Better than ringing up your actual therapist when the going gets tough, this phone, known as Mobilyze! is apparently effective at reducing depression.

The phone harnesses all the sensor data within it to interpret a person’s location, activity level, social context and mood.

After monitoring behavior patterns, the phone can detect whether its user is isolated–and respond by sending suggestions to contact friends, for example. A pilot study found that the technology reduced symptoms of depression.

“By prompting people to increase behaviors that are pleasurable or rewarding, we believe that Mobilyze! will improve mood,” said psychologist David Mohr, director of the new Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies and a professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern’s Feinberg School.

“It creates a positive feedback loop. Someone is encouraged to see friends, then enjoys himself and wants to do it again. Ruminating alone at home has the opposite effect and causes a downward spiral,” he said.

Other projects from this team include a virtual human therapist who will work with teens to prevent depression; a medicine bottle that reminds you to take antidepressant medication and tells your doctor if the dosage needs adjusting; and a web-based social network to help cancer survivors relieve sadness and stress.

“We’re inventing new ways technology can help people with mental health problems,” said Mohr. “The potential to reduce or even prevent depression is enormous.”