Early detection of
Symptoms of depression and anxiety
for adolescents and young adults

Digital phenotyping (DP) is the digital collection of different data in real time. Data can be collected directly in the moment, for example with the help of a smartphone in a person's natural environment, which enables a very individual and objective insight for research. The resulting amount of data per person provides an unprecedented basis for the investigation of intrapsychic processes, which can be evaluated using machine learning.

After consenting to the declaration of consent, the study participants will receive their access data for the Famedly app by e-mail. We will use this app to communicate and be in contact with the participants during the study. We will then ask all participants to download the Brain Explorer app and to answer questions on demographics, mental health and general well-being via the SoSci Survey platform. It takes about 15 minutes to complete the questionnaires.

During this period, participants have access to the Brain Explorer app. Here, the participants can play games that provide information about, for example, impulsiveness or decisiveness. Each game lasts around 5 minutes. In addition, the participants answer short questionnaires (lasting around 5 minutes) three times a day (in the morning, after school/work and in the evening) using their cell phone on SoSci Survey, which record sleep quality, emotional regulation, stress and general well-being. In addition, we ask the participants to make a digital voice recording every evening about their low points and highlights of the previous day (duration approx. 5 min). To monitor the mental health of the participants, the DASS questionnaire (depression-anxiety-stress scales) is collected twice in each measurement period via the SoSci Survey. In the event of values above the clinical cut-off, a clinical interview and counseling by the study team will follow. To ensure the acceptance and design of the feedback as well as the study design in general, a focus group (survey) is held with a small group of voluntary participants before the start of the study and adjustments are made if necessary.

After each of the four measurement points, the participants receive individual feedback on the data collected and on their mental health. In this feedback, the participants receive a summary of the information regarding their mental health. If the scores on the questionnaires exceed the cut-off value, participants are also given the opportunity to take part in a diagnostic interview. In this interview, we take a closer look at their current and past mental health. On request, participants can then receive information about suitable services offered by standard care. Participants can also ask the study team questions about their feedback at any time.

After each of the four measurement points, the participants receive individual feedback on the data collected and on their mental health. In this feedback, the participants receive a summary of the information regarding their mental health. Participants can ask the study team questions about their feedback at any time.

If the values of the questionnaires exceed the cut-off value, the test persons can take part in an additional diagnostic interview, which they would not normally receive without an appointment without visiting an appropriate institution or counseling center. In this interview, we take a closer look at current and past mental health. On request, participants can then receive information about suitable services from standard care. In addition, test persons can provide hair samples if they take part in a clinical interview on-site.

By taking part, participants can monitor their own (mental) health over time and thus gain insights into their own health. Participants can also actively support their own mental health.

Participants can access our project and the topic of mental health regardless of their location and without long waiting times.

By participating in our project, the test subjects not only actively supported their own mental health, but also enabled the development of a method for the early detection of depression and anxiety disorders with the data they collected. The research team is trying to develop a model that makes it possible to ensure the well-being of young people in their everyday lives at a low threshold. The aim is to give young people the opportunity to receive adequate care in good time and prevent chronicity. Looking ahead, the models can also provide a basis for preventive interventions.

Students of psychology and cognitive science can receive 4 subject hours per participating measurement point, i.e. a total of 16 subject hours. Further information can be found under subject hours or contact our study team(earlysoda@med.uni-tuebingen.de) or Prof. Caterina Gawrilow(caterina.gawrilow@psycho.uni-tuebingen.de)

Study is currently being conducted; study protocol is in preparation: Schmitt et al. (in prep) Early detection of depression and anxiety disorders - Study protocol of a multi-method measurement burst study.