UW–Madison researchers are expanding a study of whether phone and wearable signals can measure mental health objectively and predict who may benefit from interventions.
UW–Madison expands mental health measurement research
The Center for Healthy Minds at UW–Madison reports that a UW–Madison team is expanding a study focused on mental health measurement. According to the source, the team is led by the Center for Healthy Minds and the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery.
The study is supported by up to $6.6 million from ARPA-H, the Center for Healthy Minds reports. The source describes the work as research exploring whether data signals from phones and wearable devices could provide an objective way to measure mental health.
What researchers are exploring
According to the Center for Healthy Minds, the study is examining whether signals from phones and wearables can objectively measure mental health. The research is also exploring whether those signals may help predict which people benefit from interventions.
The source does not describe a specific intervention being studied, nor does it report study findings. Instead, it presents the project as an expanded effort to examine whether these types of signals could be useful for measuring mental health and predicting benefit from interventions.
Focus on measurement
Lead scientist Dr. Ross Jacobucci said, according to the Center for Healthy Minds, that questionnaires are slow and subjective. The source identifies that concern as part of the context for the study’s interest in signals collected through phones and wearable devices.
The announcement does not state that phone or wearable signals have replaced questionnaires or other forms of mental health assessment. It says the team is exploring whether those signals can objectively measure mental health and predict who benefits from interventions.
Research support and status
The Center for Healthy Minds says the study has support of up to $6.6 million from ARPA-H. The source does not say that the research has produced a new clinical tool, changed treatment coverage, or established a new standard for mental health care.
For Wisconsin readers, the announcement points to research based at UW–Madison that is examining new ways to measure mental health and understand response to interventions. The source frames the work as an effort to explore potential measurement and prediction tools, rather than as a completed treatment finding.
What this means for Wisconsin patients
This research may be relevant to people following developments in mental health care, while local treatment availability remains important for those seeking care. The directory lists 47 published clinics in Wisconsin to help people find treatment locally.
This is general information, not medical advice.
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This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.