Teen mood disorder study goes cellular

Teens are now able to use cell phones for more than just keeping in touch with friends. In a new study, they can also use the technology to monitor their moods.

"This research is intended to test the tools that will help us to identify youth with mental illness, and better connect them to healthcare providers," says Dr. David Kreindler, principal investigator of the study and youth psychiatrist and researcher in the mood disorders program at Sunnybrook.

"It may also help us to learn more about the role that life stressors play in youth with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder," he adds.

With support from Motorola, Sunnybrook has developed teen-friendly mood-monitoring technology directed at youth between the ages of 14-20, an age demographic with one of the highest risks of developing mood disorders and other mental health issues.

According to recent federal research, it is conservatively estimated that as many as 15 percent of youth are affected with mental illness at any given time and are the least likely of all age groups to use any resources for mental illness and addiction.

"Mood disorders can significantly negatively impact an individual's social, occupational, and academic functioning," says Dr. Anthony Levitt, a co-investigator in the study and chief of psychiatry at Sunnybrook.

The research participants will be required to complete a daily mood and stress report questionnaire on a Motorola mobile phone provided to them, to record any kinds of events that may be affecting how they feel in their day-to-day activities. Information from the questionnaire is immediately relayed to the researchers' database wirelessly.

This kind of technology has the potential to help determine what, if any, treatment a teen may need and to track the teen's state of illness or health.

Learn more about this study