There is a remedy for bipolar disorder in technology.
Previous Digital Efforts in Bipolar Treatment
In this new era of digital tools, quantified self-movement, and precision medicine, we’ve experienced the progress in minimising bipolar cases. Several trials have been undertaken in a bid to treat this condition. The breakthrough by a German psychiatrist, Emil Kraepelin, revealed two major causes of the sickness, its various categories, and the basis of the relapse. He managed to uncover all this just through the use of simple technology, application of basic numeric statistics, and use of notecards. His discoveries might have had a larger potential in the invention of the current digital devices, which collect and measure extensive data compared to the old ones.
Modern Medical Discoveries
The recent increase in smartphones has ignited new energy in actigraphy, which refers to the use of non-invasive devices to measure human behaviour and pattern. The actigraphy research focusses majorly on studying bipolar patients. These electronic devices plus their related apps are expected to yield significant medical data that can assist in monitoring and diagnosis. Phones and other wearables can automatically collect voice data from discussions and social metrics, as well as capture location through GPS sensors.
Further studies have brought in clever smartphone apps that gather clinically relevant information like a patient’s energy, mood, sleep, irritability, and adherence to medication. These gadgets can also be utilised to gather extra helpful details such as time spent at work, time spent at home, calls received and made, exposure to light, body temperature.
Such magnitude of data can be life-saving as it simplifies the task for medical experts, reducing the need to cross-examine patients. In return, people with bipolar disorder receive a mental-education message or their specific circumstances.
How to keep the Beasts in Check
Apart from the bipolar medications, this disorder can be managed effectively by complementing treatment with healthy lifestyle habits. Health physicians explain that some food and dietary supplements are useful while others are detrimental to people with bipolar. Some things that we consume obliviously set off the dramatic and unusual mood episodes of highs and lows, for instance, a western diet like rich red meats and saturated fats. Hence the importance of keeping abreast with the daily dietary plan. As such, it is wise to have a monitoring device like a smartphone which comes in assists in keeping your eating habits under control.
Previous research has demonstrated the dramatic impacts this condition has on the social lives of people living with it. Patients find it hard to cope with family and friends, leading to isolation. Fortunately, online interaction, especially via social media, has brought in new channels of communicating. Scientists have discovered that people with social problems benefit from social media through texting, using info-graphics, specific memes, videos and other various forms of communication. According to researchers, online interaction is less intimidating and asynchronous. Despite the other challenges encountered online, this medium has proven to be a haven for those with bipolar disorder.
Another way to escape the incidents of this condition is by shunning away from stressful events or people who elicit negative energy. It is advisable to surround yourself with positive minded, loving, and caring people who radiate pleasant energy for your total well being.
Bottom line
It is important to note that technology has come a long way. Its evolution presented both threats and opportunities, and ultimately creating a space for everyone including the more socially-awkward.
Today patients with a mental disorder like bipolar find it much easier to manage their condition, thanks to the access to information. Doctors, on the other hand, have also simplified many complications during diagnosis.
