Year: 2018
Type: editorial
Abstract: Schizophrenia remains one of the most devastating chronic illnesses, 1 impacting nearly 1.5% of the global population 2 and creating an economic burden of up to 1.65% gross domestic product. 3 It is not surprising that digital tools for schizophrenia, often smartphone-based software in the form of apps, have received so much recent attention and enthusiasm. Digital phenotyping holds tremendous potential in elucidating the complex heterogeneity of what we call schizophrenia and would therefore advance research. On a clinical front, smartphone data may become increasingly valuable in monitoring course and treatment response given the fact that these patients frequently have difficulties in adherence with clinical visits, and are often poor historians. However, the power of this paradigm is currently fueled more by the increasing ubiquity of technology than breakthroughs in clinical science. The accessibility and affordability of digital care derives from increasing global ownership of smartphones: it is estimated that six billion smartphones will be in circulation worldwide by 2020. 4 As devices and sensors become ever cheaper and more sophisticated, the ability to capture a plethora of relevant data and deliver a myriad of content via network connectivity will continue to fuel the potential of digital approaches in mental health. As validation and reproducibility lags behind enthusiasm and availability, the potential clinical impact of these digital tools is at a crossroads.
Source: Schizophrenia
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,590
OpenAlex ID: W2795472741