E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
Across the board we ’ re seeing a growth in the use of digital health technologies to aid diagnosis , prevent , and treat a range of medical conditions , including mental health . Many of those helpful for individuals dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder ( SAD ), a type of depression that typically occurs during winter months , build on those we have seen work well across the clinical field for a number of conditions .
The most effective apps are rooted in clinical evidence and robust methodologies , such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
( CBT ). Apps which offer mental health support for depression would be equally helpful for sufferers of SAD . These tools can help users challenge negative thought patterns and engage in more positive thinking , which is crucial in managing depressive symptoms .
Digital health apps often include mood tracking features where users record symptoms and mood severity levels , which can help in identifying patterns and situational triggers associated with SAD . Health tech providers need to have robust privacy settings to ensure people feel comfortable expressing themselves and know that what they say is anonymous . More effective tools can use natural language processing to deliver effective prompts .
Digital tools which may help include features like sleep monitoring , sleep sounds or stories , relaxation audios and guided sleep meditations , which can also help in reducing the stress and anxiety which often accompany SAD . Other helpful features might include reminders for medication , therapy sessions , or to engage in healthy behaviours such as physical exercise , which is useful for maintaining a routine , a key aspect in managing SAD and mental health at any time of year .
Since SAD is often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight , boxes that mimic natural light are a common tool . At the moment some apps are designed to work with light therapy boxes , helping to regulate the duration and intensity of exposure but we may start to see more advanced light therapy devices , offering personalised settings based on individual circadian rhythms and syncing with smart home systems to provide optimal light exposure throughout the day .
Sometimes human intervention is key and here the growth of telehealth is a powerful trend . According to McKinsey telehealth utilisation has stabilised at levels 38X higher than before the pandemic – and shows no sign of abating . Apps that connect users with therapists for virtual consultations can ensure regular and convenient additional mental health support .
Personalisation is increasing and is where Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in mental health apps may thrive . These apps are often able to analyse speech patterns and daily activity data to monitor mood and suggest timely interventions or coping strategies . One day we may see that advances in personalised medicine might include genetic testing or biomarker analysis to predict susceptibility to SAD and tailor treatments accordingly . As healthcare professionals it ’ s essential we consider technology as part of a suite of tools to deliver comprehensive care . We hope to see integration with traditional healthcare systems , allowing for better coordination of care between mental health professionals and primary care providers . �
DR NICKY MAIN
UK CLINICAL LEAD , WYSA
www . intelligenthealth . tech 27