Mental Health Monitoring via Cell Phones

The goal of this project is to explore the design and implementation of a mental health monitor based on analyzing information encoded in the speech patterns of individuals using mobile and embedded devices, including cell phones.  Coupled with effective information visualization techniques, the researchers believe that this work will open up a new channel for patients to access diagnosis and treatment opportunities under-explored in existing work.  Such technology could affect the lives of the 75+ percent of depression patients who are not currently receiving adequate treatment.  Depression is predicted to be the second most costly world health problem and the leading cause of disability by 2020.  The project is being Seed Funded by CITRIS.