Researchers at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles); decided to conduct a three-year depression study in collaboration with Apple to understand how factors such as sleep, physical activity, heart rate, and daily routines play a role in depression and anxiety.. The research, which will continue with iPhone, Apple Watch and Beddit sleep tracker, started this week.

The university said the pilot phase of the study included 150 participants selected from UCLA Health patients.. Then 3,000 people from both the hospital and the student body will participate in the next phases of the research.. Participants of the project will download an app to their iPhone, then receive a Beddit sleep monitor and an Apple Watch that they can use throughout the study.. Participants through the application; They will share information about their condition through periodic clinical interviews and questionnaires, as well as data from the phone, clock, and sleep monitor.

UCLA professor of psychiatry Dr.. Nelson Freimer, on the project, said: “Taking advantage of UCLA’s deep research expertise and Apple’s innovative technology, this collaboration has the potential to push behavioral health research and clinical care into a new era.” said. “Current approaches to the treatment of depression are almost entirely based on subjective memories of depressed patients.. This is an important step towards obtaining objective and precise measurements that guide both diagnosis and treatment..

Freimer also stressed that ensuring the privacy and security of study participants’ data remains a high priority for both UCLA and Apple.. He added that UCLA will process and maintain study data in a secure environment with limited access to members of the UCLA research team.. He then stated that they would only analyze the data after it had been coded and cleared of names and other contact information.

The Apple Depression Research: The Pandemic Impact

The research aims to identify genetic and environmental factors that contribute to depression, It is an initiative to understand the biological changes it causes in the body and to accelerate the progress in diagnosis and treatment, as well as to end it.. Study comes after the COVID-19 pandemic has turned lives upside down and prompted focus on anxiety-depression. Physical distancing requirements have also made scientific research a challenge.. That’s why UCLA and Apple designed all aspects of the depression research project to be conducted remotely.. Apple has previously collaborated on pandemic-based projects and research.

Freimer said, “The pandemic has increased anxiety and depression globally and raised awareness of the importance of behavioral health for general well-being.” said. Professor: “At the same time, physical distancing requirements lead to limited mental health assessment and treatment, leading to expanded use and acceptance of digital health.. These changes highlight the importance of incorporating the technologies that will be tested in the study into clinical research and ultimately into practice.” He also made a statement.