Technology in 2021: Aiding mental health in innovative ways
According to the World Health Organization, at least 20% of Indians would suffer from mental disease by 2020. Around 38 million Indians are affected by anxiety disorders, while 56 million are affected by depression. This is exacerbated by the availability of trained professionals in India, with just 0.75 psychiatrists available per 100,000 people.
Around 260 million individuals worldwide are affected by mental illness, with 300 million suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. For mental health issues, no paradigm-shifting medications have been created in the last 30 years. Patients can now interact with mental health doctors, receive a diagnosis, and treat their issues remotely, thanks to new technological advancements.
Apps for specific mental health conditions
Numerous apps are dedicated to certain disorders such as OCD, depression, schizophrenia, and even anxiety. These apps provide support, guidance, information, consolation, symptom management approaches, and various other tools to help mental health sufferers better cope with their diseases. According to the American Psychological Association, there are between 10,000 and 20,000 mental health apps available.
Behaviour Trackers
The user’s smartphone activity can be tracked with his or her authorization. If a user’s syntax changes or begins typing at an abnormally fast rate, these could be signs of mania. To avoid the start of manic episodes, the user’s heart rate and pulse might also be monitored. This data collecting could help mental health practitioners better diagnose disorders and potentially provide patients with personalized treatments based on trends discovered.
Remote therapy
The global telepsychiatry market was worth USD 5.5 billion in 2019 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 24.7% from 2019 to 2027. In India, mental health specialists are scarce, resulting in a shortage of professional services. Remote diagnosis can help to alleviate any anxiety about an in-person session and, in the long run, lessen the stigma associated with mental illness.
