An electronic body tracker could help doctors diagnose depression and anxiety disorders. The device is made up of headset, wrist bands and an ankle bracelet, monitors heart rate, level of sweating, respiration and diameter of pupils. The data is collected and analysed by computers. It is estimated one Briton in six suffers from anxiety or depressive disorder at some point.Â
Some remain undiagnosed due to patients’ failure to recognise and report symptoms. However, physical symptoms can be used to indicate potential problems early. Pilot studies of the device, called SysteMD (System with Sensors to Evaluate Mental Disorders), developed by US engineering firm Draper, have proved impressive, diagnosing acute anxiety disorder correctly in 94 per cent of cases. The device is expected to be available for use from 2019.
