Can smartwatches predict depression relapses?

Yes, new research suggests that wearable trackers like smartwatches can detect subtle signs of a depression relapse weeks or months before an episode occurs.

What patterns do smartwatches monitor for depression relapse?

Smartwatches monitor daily rhythms, specifically irregular sleep schedules and the difference between daytime movement and nighttime rest, as indicators of potential depression relapse.

How can wearable technology change mental health management?

Wearable technology enables continuous monitoring, allowing for proactive prevention of mental health conditions like depression rather than relying solely on reactive treatments.

Home / Health / Smartwatch Alerts: Your Mental Health's Early Warning System

Smartwatch Alerts: Your Mental Health's Early Warning System

12 Feb

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Summary

Wearable trackers can signal depression relapse weeks before it occurs.
Irregular sleep patterns in users doubled their risk of relapse.
Digital health tools could shift mental health management to prevention.

Wearable technology, such as smartwatches, may soon serve as an early warning system for mental health conditions like depression. Recent research from McMaster University indicates that these devices can identify subtle signs of a depression relapse weeks or even months before an episode fully develops. This capability could transform mental health management by shifting the focus from reactive treatments to proactive prevention.

The study, which followed 93 Canadian adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder, analyzed over 32,000 days of data. Scientists discovered that daily rhythms are highly indicative of a person's mental state. Specifically, individuals with irregular sleep schedules showed nearly double the risk of experiencing a depression relapse. The most significant indicator was not just sleep duration but the distinction between daytime and nighttime activity patterns.