Using Smartphones and Wearables to Understand Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

Could smartphone gps data be used to predict when a person is experiencing a manic or depressive episode? If data modelling techniques were able to predict adverse events, it may be possible that services and intervention could be delivered before they occur.

Prof Simon Dennis, Director of the Complex Human Data Hub is collaborating on projects led by Dr. Tanya Hanstock and Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin at the University of Newcastle that aim to use smartphones and wearables to understand bipolar spectrum disorder.

Smart phone or wearable device data (FitBits) data in combination with surveys were used to study the time course of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder.

These technologies could have major implications for mental health, as they could allow for intervention strategies not currently possible. They could connect people to services at the right time.

The ultimate aim of this research is to be able to predict adverse events and to intervene before they occur.

The masters theses on this topic can be found here:

https://simondennis.blog/2019/07/31/using-smartphones-and-wearables-to-understand-bipolar-spectrum-disorder/