Mobile Observation Of Depression (MOOD) platform for digital phenotyping

"Emteq Ltd, based at the Sussex Innovation Centre, is developing a wearable digital platform that allows real-time objective monitoring of novel markers of depression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates more than 300m people are living with depression. In the UK, up to 10% of people will suffer from depression at some point in their lives; accounting for over 57m annual antidepressant prescriptions (England, 2014). The rising incidence of depression worldwide is attributed to increased stress and changing lifestyle. The economic cost of treating a patient with depression is £2,085/person/year and productivity losses account for £7.5b annually.

Most precision medicine approaches look for genetic or molecular disease markers. However, whilst some conditions such as cystic fibrosis have and strong genetic influence, twin studies show that for the top ten causes of preventable deaths, genes contribute only a minor predictive role. All of the top ten causes of premature death have a strong behavioural influence, therefore predictive analytics based on digital phenotyping has huge potential to save lives.

Currently, no technology is available for clinicians to measure emotional responses objectively in people with major depression. In clinical practice, assessment and documentation of symptoms and signs relies on the patients' subjective recall and a 'snapshot' of how they are feeling on the day. In this respect, a system for objective monitoring during day-to-day activities could have a tremendous impact on treatment stratification and compliance, and understanding individual drivers of happiness.

We are collaborating with leading specialists in mental health (MindTech, Sussex Partnership NHS Trust), to develop the 'MOOD' platform for use in patient diagnosis, stratification and treatment monitoring.

Sussex Partnership NHS Trust operates from over 260 sites, including community services, and serves a population of 1.55 million people. MindTech is instrumental in ensuring adequate Public Patient Representation, user interface design and advice on clinical pathways.

We have invested heavily in building an international network of commercial and academic partners. Successful project delivery will cement our reputation as leading innovators within the industry and is the first step in an ambitious commercial strategy to disrupt the depression treatment and screening markets."