As the world progresses and continuously embraces technology in everyday life, it is time we acknowledge the ongoing changes and see how everyone could adapt to changes. In terms of the pandemic shaping how we look at technology, the change is evident. Society is more dependent on apps than ever before. And surely, accessibility will matter in the upcoming future.
COVID-19 also showed has the long-term repercussion of being isolated. As most of the world remained quarantined and the collective well-being of everyone came to a pause, there were concerns. Figures show us that the pandemic caused a 25% increase in anxiety and depression.
The toll on mental health came with its challenges and problems. And with the entire healthcare industry being vulnerable – technology helped and businesses came up with solutions. The developments in telemedicine during the pandemic, especially in terms of mental health have been insane.
When your app developer NYC and collaborate with them to create a digital product that helps people with mental health concerns – there are a lot of unsaid rules and regulations that you should be aware of.
In this article, we will be covering how coverage around mental health is growing and importance is being given through the appropriate use of different technologies. Let’s take look.
Top 5 Trends
There are a lot of fields concerned with the mental health of individuals and each is playing a key role in implementing technologies to advance further and be better with their respective diagnoses.
VR and mental health
The idea might seem silly at first but hear us out. Virtual reality technology is an essential part of many industries now and telemedicine is advancing to new dimensions as well. With the proper integration of virtual reality headsets in medicine, we can see mental healthcare progress.
VR can be ideally used in cases of ADHD, autism, phobias, and PTSD, along with anxiety and depression as well. A VR headset can help kids struggling with social anxiety. For children to see a virtual playground where they can roam around without any discomfort means everything to them. The idea of VR being present is surreal and with proper implementation – progress will surely happen.
Digital integration everywhere
With data being part of the upcoming future, there are aspects relating to the healthcare industry that can see progress happening much more quickly. Keeping detailed records on how an individual is coping with a mental illness through technology is possible now.
Proper data analysis combined with a well-thought-out algorithm can lead to a successful digital product that helps patients see how they are progressing. And with a therapist onboard the project, you could create an entire ecosystem.
AI chatbots are present
It is safe to say with the presence of artificial intelligence all around us, healthcare is actively looking at the technology and the way it can be involved in the ecosystem for better mental health-related conclusions. In particular, AI chatbots are proving to be helpful. Woebot, Wysa, and Youper – are one of the most popular AI chatbots and have been extremely successful so far.
The reviews are positive and with the developments that are going to take place, the future looks bright. Therapy in the near future will be dependent on artificial intelligence. Patients are more likely to be vulnerable to an algorithm than an actual human being initially. With proper automation of AI chatbots and professional therapists, we could see progress in the way we look at mental health.
But of course, not everyone is comfortable with an AI-assisted system and a human-centric system would work better for them. In such cases, there are alternatives:
- Talkspace
- Ginger
- BetterHelp
- 7 Cups of Tea
All of these highlighted apps enable those seeking mental health services to get an appointment with licensed therapists and psychologists. Along with the option to get prescriptions and all other kinds of help. When you consult a custom software development services, make sure you communicate what kind of app you would like to see.
Video games and mental health go together
Times have changed and as we continue to embrace new technologies, it is a fact that the FDA has long approved the usage of a prescription video game. The idea is to help people create a treatment ecosystem where players could engage in a video game as usual and it would help them recover – especially those struggling with ADHD.
Neuroscientists have approved the idea and research supports such kinds of video games. Ordinary medication might not work for every patient. A video game includes different experiences and a game such as EndevorRx is specifically designed to help kids struggling to pay attention in class.
Cognitive thought and video games go together and businesses and healthcare companies are realizing how both can benefit in an intersectional scenario.
Digital pills are on the way
The concept of digital pills has always existed and when the FDA approved it and marked the technology as safe to use – the technology became a reality and healthcare professionals along with businesses started looking into it.
And right now, digital pills are marketed as a means to keep a track of medications and enable doctors to have access to quantitative data. With digital pills being a norm, we are potentially overseeing a reality where when pills are swallowed – all information will be regulated and analyzed.
There are ethical concerns and privacy laws around digital pills are still under development but the technology is promising enough. Once all these pertaining concerns are addressed, digital pills will eventually be a part of everyday life.
Final Thoughts
A flutter app development services company will need an outline when you present your project requirements and the kind of industry you would like to tap into. In fact – any app development company would require a sufficient amount of information from your end.
Research well and stay updated on how the healthcare industry is progressing and how conversations around mental health should be dealt with. The global market for mental health apps is valued at $4.2 billion and is projected to keep growing with an exponential rate.