UBICOM MENTAL HEALTH

Ubiquitous mental health support systems for managing long-term mental health illness

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'This fellowship is a significant step in Dr. Matthews’ career, bringing him back into full-time research leading an innovative project in e-mental health between Professor Gay’s lab in Cornell University and Dr. Doherty’s in Trinity College Dublin. The project will develop technologies to support individuals with bipolar disorder, an extremely challenging illness which has significant negative impacts on individuals, their families and societies. This project extends the EU’s E-Health initiative by applying ICT to the improvement of mental health.The candidate has an interdisciplinary background and his work to date in ubiquitous support systems provides a strong foundation to carry out the proposal and push this research area forward. Throughout Dr. Matthews’ career he has sought to identify areas for further personal development. His training objectives include establishing a full- time academic career, further developing interdisciplinary competencies and gaining commercialisation expertise. These goals will be met through formal courses and applied research. This fellowship represents Dr. Matthews’ 1st post-doctoral research position. At Cornell University, he will be able to work with world-class researchers in healthcare, social networks and bipolar disorder. Cornell and Trinity are among the best universities in the world and will provide the necessary materials, expertise and excellent support services to carry out this project. As an interdisciplinary project in a highly sensitive area, it will need experts in each field, all of whom have committed to this project.This fellowship is a vital step in establishing Dr. Matthews as a leading researcher in an emerging and increasingly important field. His ambition is to establish an interdisciplinary research centre for ICT & mental health. There is an opportunity to establish Europe as a world leader in this emerging area.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Research investigating the use of technology to help persons suffering from bipolar disorder is aiming to improve mental health outcomes.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

A mental illness known as bipolar disorder is known to affect 1-3 % of the world's population. It is characterised by extreme elevation in moods and deep depression, and affects both men and women equally. One of the consequences of this disorder is its impact on the quality of life for individuals who suffer from it. One third of those are reported to attempt suicide. There are also other negative impacts on relationships and productivity.

The EU-funded 'Ubiquitous mental health support systems for managing long-term mental health illness' (UBICOM MENTAL HEALTH) project is developing clinically-validated mobile technologies to support people with bipolar disorder over their lifetime and to understand the ways technology currently impacts their lives. So far, the project has successfully focused on establishing partnerships, gaining understanding of the state of the art of the field, and planning and developing software prototypes.

Dissemination of the results has already taken place via academic publications, formal presentations and in the media. A prototype system, MoodRhythm, has been developed and piloted with patients and clinicians and won the prestigious open Health award. Following this, the focus has been on the extensive participation of people with bipolar disorder and their clinicians to refine the design of the therapeutic mobile and web application.

This work can have a positive impact for people with bipolar disorder by designing technologies that support assessment of well-being and help individuals to maintain balanced lives. It can also be relevant for other mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and major depression. Ultimately, it could help with stress management and with leading a more balanced and productive lifestyle.