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How many newly developed apps and IT-based interventions are evidence-based and proven to help with our mental health, or rather, could actually harm us and our families?

Bodily topography of basic (Upper) and nonbasic (Lower) emotions associated with words. The body maps show regions whose activation increased (warm colours) or decreased (cool colours) when feeling each emotion. The colourbar indicates the t-statistic range. 14 body illustrations depicting: anger, fear, disgust, happiness, sadness, surprise, neutral, anxiety, love, depression, contempt, pride, shame, and envy.
Bodily maps of emotions: pnas.org

The understanding that emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health is a very valuable concept and the realisation of it is further along in some business, health and charitable sectors than others.

Much needed research into mental health and all its intricacies' is leading advancement in science and the development of new treatments. However, treatments don't work for everyone and those treatments that could help can be difficult to access. As such it is no surprise that the market for technology-inspired solutions for mental health problems is growing quickly. Technology companies are using the rise in awareness of mental health issues to develop apps and IT-based interventions, which are marketed as a way to support mental well-being.

Just as important as developing new treatments is the development of ways of preventing mental disorders, which would improve people's resilience and ability to cope with life's ups and downs.

 

Every week, 1 in 6 adults' experiences a common mental health problem and shockingly 1 in 5 adults has considered taking their own life. Although, reports suggest that in the UK, only 1 in 8 adults with a mental health problem is currently receiving treatment with medication being the most common type of treatment.Sources: Fundamental Facts about mental health 2016 and mind.org.uk. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discussing these issues, research and clinical experts from the Department of Psychiatry share their experience and views about mental health.

Watch talks from:

Daniel Freeman, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Cofounder, Oxford VR



Stephen Friend, Visiting Professor of Connected Medicine, University of Oxford

 

Willem Kuyken, The Sir John Ritblat Family Foundation Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science at the       University of Oxford

 


To find out more about leading academics and their research at Oxford, visit the Department of Psychiatry and NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre

NIHR OXFORD HEALTH BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE NEWS

Please follow the link below to read the news on the NIHR BRC website.