You may have been tracking your steps or recording your sleep cycle with your smart watch. Soon, you might even be able to detect symptoms of depression through an iPhone or Apple Watch.
According to The Wall Street Journal, tech giant Apple is said to be working with the University of California, Los Angeles, and pharmaceutical company Biogen to develop iPhone features that could help diagnose mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as signs of cognitive decline. Researchers have also reportedly been conducting studies with data ranging from mobility and sleep patterns to facial expressions and heart rates.
While the focus on one’s headspace is fast moving into the tech-enabled sphere, it’s still prudent to seek the help of mental health professionals.
Says Dr Jimmy Lee, a senior consultant with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH): “These wearables might provide regular self-assessments of mood or stress levels, and provide feedback to the user. They might be useful monitoring tools, but at present, they are not diagnostic instruments. Digital technology does not provide a medical diagnosis. Also, the accuracy of some tools in predicting emotional states are under evaluation.”
Dr Teng Jia Jing, a consultant with the Department of Psychological Medicine at National University Hospital (NUH), shares that while wearable technology can be used to track behaviours like physical exercise and sleep as “these are often difficult to quantify and recall accurately”, a proper evaluation is still required to diagnose mental health symptoms.
Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Her World Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Her World Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.