Ecological Momentary Assessment Using Smartphones in Patients With Depression: Feasibility Study

Background Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a promising tool in the management of psychiatric disorders and particularly depression. It allows for real-time evaluation symptoms an earlier detection relapse or treatment efficacy. The generalization smartphone modern world offers new, large-scale support EMA. Objective main objective this study was twofold: (1) to assess patients’ compliance with EMA app defined by number EMAs completed, (2) estimate external validity using correlation between self-esteem/guilt/mood variables Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score. Methods Eleven patients at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France, were monitored 28 days means app. Every patient enrolled had two types assessment: three outpatient consultations psychiatrist different time points (days 1, 15, 28), data collection single, fixed notification per day 3 pm days. results collected reviewed during dashboard that aggregated all into user-friendly format. Results Of 11 study, 6 attended completed HDRS each consultation. We found positive score self-esteem, guilt, mood (Spearman coefficient 0.57). Seven daily longer, average response rate 62.5% (175/280). Furthermore, we observed responses duration follow-up 0.63). Conclusions This preliminary prolonged demonstrates significant In addition, self-assessments performed seemed faithful standardized measurements psychiatrist. also suggest some it more convenient use than attend consultations.