There are many different ways that technology can be used in psychiatry, whether it be to diagnose or treat patients. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recently awarded 404 grants to researchers who will use technology to improve mental health interventions. These researchers will be able to develop new technologies such as telepsychiatry, VR exposure therapy, neurofeedback, and computer-generated imagery.
Diagnose
In the past several years, technology in psychiatry has been rapidly changing. This means new tools are being developed to help clinicians diagnose and treat patients more effectively. Psychiatry is a field of medicine that studies the physical and psychological causes of various conditions. Using these tools, clinicians can provide accurate diagnoses and treatments that may result in more positive outcomes.
Today, mental health care is highly fragmented and needs more continuity. It also faces stigma and uneven access to clinicians and resources. The challenge of improving the quality of care has led to the development of digital solutions. These solutions have the potential to improve patient care and improve the experience of clinicians.
Treat
Technology has become an essential part of mental health solutions. Technology can make therapy more convenient for patients, from biofeedback to virtual reality to mobile apps. However, there are some concerns with technological interventions.
The biggest concern is getting proof that these interventions work. Researchers must find a way to incorporate technology into clinical care.
Technology can help psychiatry providers reach more people. It can also allow patients to receive treatment more privately. But despite the potential benefits, there are some hazards.
Monitor
In psychiatry, it is vital to keep track of the mood of patients. In addition, patients’ somatic health is also monitored. The bodily health of a patient can influence the treatment that will be provided. Therefore, using standardized methods to monitor a psychiatric patient’s bodily health is critical.
Traditional monitoring methods rely on retrospective reports. This can limit the ability to characterize a patient’s behavior in a real-world setting accurately. Moreover, these methods are subject to recall bias. However, digital traces, like digital identifiers, can help monitor mental health conditions. Using these devices, a nurse can continuously monitor a patient’s mental state.
Telepsychiatry
Telepsychiatry is a technology used in psychiatry that allows patients to consult with a psychiatrist without actually being in the same room. It may be conducted on an online basis, partially online, or by telephone.
For some patients, telepsychiatry may be preferable to in-person care. However, telepsychiatry can be less effective than in-person psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
The primary concern of mental health clinicians regarding telepsychiatry is how to establish a therapeutic rapport. To do this, the practitioner must use professional discretion.
Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a neurotherapeutic method in which brain activity is measured and manipulated. The participant is then able to achieve voluntary control over the neural activity.
Neurofeedback has been used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, depression, and autism. However, a review of the literature reveals some severe limitations.
A majority of studies have methodological issues. Studies that need appropriate control groups, small sample sizes, or selective reporting of outcomes can limit the strength of a result.
Neurofeedback is a treatment option that is often combined with medication and CBT. There is evidence that neurofeedback has been effective in treating PTSD.
VR exposure therapy
Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) uses technology to recreate a traumatic event. The experience is designed to be both safe and beneficial. It allows a patient to confront his fears in a controlled environment.
VRET is a promising treatment for phobias and anxiety disorders. Patients can interact with an object of their choosing, while the therapist can control the intensity and duration of the session.
Several studies have examined the benefits of VRET. One randomized controlled trial reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms and anger symptoms.
NIMH awards 404 grants for technology-enhanced mental health intervention
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recently awarded 404 grants totaling $445 million to support technology-enhanced mental health intervention research. These awards fund innovative pilot projects that address NIMH’s strategic priorities. This includes testing and assessing strategies to increase digital mental health interventions’ effectiveness, reach, and fidelity. Using existing digital health platforms and infrastructure, these pilot studies will leverage existing partnerships and collaborations to accelerate and scale up mental health care.
Technology-enhanced mental health interventions can improve access to mental health services, reduce barriers to treatment, and enhance productivity. In addition, these technologies can be used to identify people who need opioid replacement therapy and inpatient behavioral health care. They can also provide accurate measures of subjective states and objective behaviors.