Smartphone can intervene in depression

EVANSTON, Ill., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they're developing a smartphone that can learn to spot symptoms of depression in a user and urge the user to call or go out with friends.

The project is part of an effort by Northwestern University researchers to invent Web-based, mobile and virtual technologies to treat depression and other mood disorders, a university release reported Tuesday.

"We're inventing new ways technology can help people with mental health problems," Northwestern psychologist David Mohr said. "The potential to reduce or even prevent depression is enormous."

The new smartphone will spot symptoms of depression by harnessing sensor data within the phone to interpret a person's location, activity level (using the phone's accelerometer), social context and mood.

The phone will record if the user is making phone calls and getting e-mails, or is home alone for hours.

If the phone, after learning the usual patterns, senses a user is isolated, it will send a suggestion to call or see friends, researchers said.

The technology, still being finalized, is called Mobilyze! and has been tested in a small pilot study were it helped reduce symptoms of depression, they said.

"By prompting people to increase behaviors that are pleasurable or rewarding, we believe that Mobilyze! will improve mood," Mohr said. "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."