Detect anxiety, prevent the rise of stressstressor even manage a panic attack, the technology industry now offers more and more devices dedicated to mental health. Among the start-ups present in this niche in Consumer electronics show (CES) – the consumer tech show, which opens Tuesday in Las VegasVegas (Nevada) -, the Swiss Nutrix, which launched cortiSense, capable of measuring the level of cortisolcortisoloften called stress hormone. A small cylindrical object ending in a tab makes it possible to collect saliva, without spit and without a tube, which is directly analyzed by the instrument. After a few minutes, the results can be viewed via a applicationapplication mobilemobile.
« Until now, there was no tool to control [son taux] from homeexplained Maria Hahn, founder of Nurse. If you wanted to measure [la production de cortisol]you had to go to the hospital or send samples “. In the event of results that are too high, Nutrix offers contact with health professionals to provide an appropriate response through consultation. Maria Hahn sees cortiSense as “ an extra layer » of parameters, complement ofecosystemecosystem existing Nutrix network and their gSense platform which compiles data on sleepsleepweight, activity physiquephysique and changes in glucose levels.
Evaluate stress in the workplace?
If the object will be accessible for direct purchase by individuals, the general director especially sees the model developing around health insurers, even public organizations, but also businesses. In this last configuration, the user will retain ownership of their personal data, but they can be aggregated with those of other employees to observe the stress level of a team or department. Based on this information, for example, “ the company may decide to grant more leave », imagine Maria Hahn.
A competitor, EnLiSense, uses patches that absorb a few drops of sweat before being slipped into a portable reader, the data of which will also be presented in an application. “ These devices do not administer treatment, but they are complementary products that can help with detection or make an initial diagnosticdiagnostic », observes Julie Kolzet, New York psychologist.
Breathing to regulate emotions
The BMind from the French company Baracoda has an integrated camera capable of identifying signs of stress or fatigue, then offering, if necessary, a relaxation time with soothing images and music.
CalmiGo goes further with its small device, similar in appearance to an asthma inhaler, which fits in the hand and is used in the event of a panic attack. His boss, Adi Wallach, wanted “ create a product that you can take everywhere and that helps calm [une crise] without the need for another person or medication “. The user places their mouth as on an inhaler and breathes at a rate defined by light signals. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the defined rhythm is specific to each individual.
In addition to breathing, the machine, which has already sold more than 100,000 copies in the United States, stimulates four of the five senses, with light signals, a vibrationvibration physical which also produces a sound, and soothing scents for “ break away from a state of anxiety “. The process activates the so-called parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down the body and helps regulate emotions.
CalmiGo carried out a clinical studyclinical study on veterans subject to post-traumatic stresspost-traumatic stress (PTSD) in collaboration with the Israeli faculty hospital Reichman University. She showed a reduction in anxiety and symptomssymptoms PTSD after a few weeks of use, and, according to Adi Wallach, some patients “ were able to stop their drug treatment ».
Psychologists soon to be replaced by Artificial Intelligence?
Robotic therapy?
At CES, visitors will also come across Romi, the small table or bedside robot “ which many in Japan use to calm their anxiety and feelings of loneliness », According to its designer, Mixi. In the demonstration video, Romi responds to her frustrated owner after a night of useless work with a joke, suggests that she watch a film to relax and that’s it.
« Maybe with theemergenceemergence more and more devices on the market, more people will be interested in the therapytherapy », imagines Julie Kolzet. She does not believe, however, in the capacity of a robot and more generally ofIAIA to address the root causes of anxiety or unhappiness. “ Patients want someone to guide themshe said, feel understood and on safe ground. I don’t think a robot can do that ».
