Wearable devices for anxiety & depression: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Biomedical Engineering
• Mental Health Technology

Background:

• Rising rates of anxiety and depression globally, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Increasing integration of advanced sensors in consumer wearable devices.
• Growing need for accessible digital healthcare solutions for mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the capabilities of wearable devices for monitoring anxiety and depression.
• To identify existing features and technologies in wearables relevant to mental health.
• To review the current landscape of wearable technology for mood and behavior tracking.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search across six major bibliographic databases.
• Systematic study selection and data extraction by independent reviewers.
• Narrative synthesis approach to analyze and present findings.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 58 studies, with 71% focusing on wrist-worn devices.
• Identification of 26 methods for mood assessment, including State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and DSM criteria.
• Smartphones identified as the host device in 46% of reviewed studies.

Conclusions:

• Affordable biosensors in wearables offer novel avenues for mental health support.
• Purposefully designed wearable devices, integrating technological and clinical expertise, can aid self-care and diagnosis.
• Wearable technology holds significant potential to augment traditional therapies for anxiety and depression.