Smartphone recognize depression

- Smartphones have a large number of sensors on board. The right combination of sensors, the device is able to detect when a user is going through a manic or depressive episode , according to an Italian study .

For the study, twelve patients suffering from bipolar disorder, a smartphone. Venet Osmani scientist of the Center for Research and Telecommunication Experimentation for Networked Communities in Trento checked for a period of four months, every three weeks their condition. It appears that the activity and location data has predicted a change in the mood right on the smartphone in 94 percent of cases. By also looking at the frequency and speed of telephone calls was increased to 97 percent.

The bottom line is that when users show more activity (as measured by GPS and motion sensor), and faster and more frequent calls indicating a shift to a manic episode. Like activity and number and duration of calls go backwards, there seems to come to a depression. Although the research is done only for a limited period under a small number of manic depressive patients, the researchers called the results promising.

Due to the change in mood quickly to perceive, patients can take better care of themselves and seek help in time.