Digitally monitoring depression

Smartphones and digital tablets may be able to monitor the severity of depression using Australian developed voice and facial recognition technology.

Created in partnership with the mood disorder treatment and prevention organisation, the Black Dog Institute, the computer program reportedly measures the indicators of melancholic depression including a lack of facial movement, slow speech and avoiding eye contact.

Using the program, a computer monitors the patient while they view images and video clips that commonly elicit certain emotional responses from people, and analyses their voices during interviews, delivering a diagnosis based on the patient’s reactions.

As reported by The Age, institute researcher and clinician, Professor Gordon Parker, said initial clinical trials yielded 90% accuracy, whereas existing measures achieved an average of 65% accuracy.

The technology may help doctors determine an appropriate treatment program for patients and give them clear indication of how patients were faring between appointments.

Professor Parker said it was difficult for those living with depression to measure their symptoms, so using the program on their smartphones or other devices may help them identify when they needed to seek help.

Stage two of the program will see the researchers develop a prototype which will be distributed to psychologists and general practitioners to assist with their initial diagnoses of depression.

The third stage will be developing the technology as a tool for patients to monitor their progress during treatment, on smart phones or other electronic devices.