Our society continuously expands and grow technologically in many different areas of our daily lives. A new research study using the web and phone application have been developed at Northwestern University, that can help treat depression or anxiety. The new application are known as Behavioral Intervention Technologies (B.I.T). B.I.T. is a different style of clinical psychology and therapy, due to the change of the traditional face-to-face session. The main goal is to aid individuals to understand their own difficulties and take different steps to help reduce their symptoms. There are straightforward instructions and interactive features to help build up cognitive and behavioral skill, while identifying negative thinking patterns. Another attribution of this application is to help challenge their individual problem themselves. However, the application is necessary to repeat over a number of weeks, which is a problem for those struggling with their own problems. Reason being, it requires a large amount of time to stay engaged enough to make improvements. This application is to help Americans with mental health disorders use a cost-effective alternative of traditional therapy sessions. However, B.I.T. still needs improvement because of the lack of reliability and certification requirements.
Galit Atlas' article, contradicts the application by stating how research has shown that human touch is necessary to improve within the therapeutic process. Applications are simply a quick way to gratify our demands and are available immediately, which does not allow the therapeutic process to form. Using in person therapy, psychiatrists are also able to include factors when observing their client such as their body language or how they breathe to help understand the nonverbal pain. Direct communication is an important part in the treatment and healing of an individual. By using B.I.T. it fits within our culture because of our urge to fulfill our needs and receive instant relief. Atlas believes the psychoanalytic tradition is needed because it values depth, reflection, and intimacy.
Some are afraid of long-term therapy or depending on their therapist. The application can help them believe they have a sense of control and take an initiative to help themselves. However, using the application has an effect of believing no attachment to another human is necessary to solve their mental illness. Atlas continues on by stating B.I.T. is a defensive alternative to avoid therapy and may intensify their problems. What do you think of B.I.T.? Should there be more applications out there to address or help us, instead of communicating directly with one another? Maybe there should be a sexual education application to fit in our media and phone reliant world. What are your thoughts?
Krystal Jamjampour
Websites:
https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/09/22/is-depression-treatable-with-a-mobile-phone-app/digital-mental-health-therapies-work-but-must-be-refined
https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/09/22/is-depression-treatable-with-a-mobile-phone-app/mental-health-apps-are-not-an-adequate-substitute-for-human-interaction
An app that's made to help treat mental illnesses seems a bit unrealistic to me. Sure the app may be able to help those who cannot afford to pay for therapy, but is it really the best way to treat those struggling with depression and anxiety? We shouldn't have to settle with an app because therapy is not affordable for many. Making therapy affordable for everyone should be top priority. The solution should not be made with an app. The solution should be to have access to affordable therapy for those who are desperately in need of mental help. Seeing a real life therapist is better than being stuck on a screen with no human interaction. There are many different exercises that can be done with a therapist that would be breakthroughs for those struggling. I just don't see that happening with one on a phone screen. Not to mention the numerous hours you'd have to spend on that phone. The individual may feel alienated from reality after spending hours on the phone screen “talking” about their troubles to a technology device that feels nothing. The comforts that therapy brings is much more better than a technology device, because you know they're human; they have everyday problems just like anyone else and better yet, you can help them understand you by just talking. As with this app, it has no feelings so how could this possibly help you to reach your goal when all it will do is to help you “identify negative thinking patterns”,”challenge their individual problem themselves”, and “help reduce their symptoms”? I'm sorry but depression and anxiety just runs deeper than an app to help treat.
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