Computer Software that Reduces Known Risk Factors for Anxiety, Depression, and Related Issues
Tech ID: 15-175

Executive Summary:
  • Invention Type: Therapeutics/Medical Device Treatments
  • Technology Summary Link: 
  • Research Institute: Florida State University
  • Disease Focus: Mental Health (Anxiety, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Basis of Invention: 50-minute computer delivered interventions focusing on stress sensitivity and social isolation reduces the targeted risk factor by approximately 30% for as long as two years
  • How it works: Identifying key malleable risk factors, developing interventions for these risk factors, and using technology to facilitate delivery of the interventions
  • Lead Challenge Inventor: Norman B. Schmidt
  • Development Stage: Clinical Studies Currently Being Evaluated 
  • Novelty: Compared to current products on the market which address these mental health issues, this invention provides a cost-effective/faster/convenient alternative
  • Clinical Applications: Addressing anxiety, depression, and related issues (social isolation, stress sensitivity)
 
General Description:
Brief computer delivered interventions address malleable risk factors for anxiety, depression, and related issues (such as stress sensitivity and the other on social isolation) using technology to facilitate delivery of the interventions.
 
Scientific Progress:
Results independently reproduced by another organization
 
Future Directions:
  • Potential for VR
 
Strengths:
  • Sustaining results given brevity of treatment and ease of use
  • Accessible to populations that may not readily seek help through conventional methods
 
Weaknesses:
  • Requires further validation
 
Publication PMID: 27712458
 
Publications:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27712458
              Cogn Behav Ther. 2017 Apr;46(3):250-264. doi: 10.1080/16506073.2016.1232748. Epub 2016 Oct 7. Acceptability of a brief computerized intervention targeting anxiety sensitivity. Short, Fuller, Norr, Schmidt.
 
Inventor Bio: Norman B. Schmidt
https://psy.fsu.edu/faculty/schmidtb/schmidt.dp.php