Project Overview
Analyzing smartphone usage patterns to identify and monitor mental health conditions.
Layman's Explanation
Mindstrong’s app uses data from how people use their smartphones—like typing speed and swiping patterns—to detect changes in mental health.
Analogy
In healthcare, this is like using how someone walks and gestures to assess their physical health—Mindstrong simply does it with phone habits to monitor mental well-being.
Details
Mindstrong Health employs “digital phenotyping,” analyzing users' smartphone interactions, such as typing speed, scrolling, and error rates, to detect signs of mental health issues like depression or schizophrenia. By tracking behavioral biomarkers, the app provides early alerts to healthcare providers who can intervene as needed. The app is currently used in clinical settings, with further research focused on expanding its diagnostic capabilities and predictive accuracy. Future features may include additional sensory inputs (e.g., voice) and potential preventative treatment measures.
Project Novelty
This approach of using digital phenotyping for mental health diagnostics is innovative, leveraging everyday smartphone behavior in a clinical and preventive context, with few direct competitors.
Project Estimates
Timeline:
14 months
Cost:
$750,000
Headcount:
10